It doesn’t take much to make me cry these days.
Over the years, sentiment has often been lost on me. I’m usually the only person in the room not crying during an emotional movie, show, or commercial. I just wasn’t very empathetic, I guess. I cared, but I never knew how to make someone’s struggles my own.
I’ve always had the ability to take a step back and understand how a difference in circumstance could lead to a different opinion or decision than I would have made, but was too logical to really process others’ emotions. Though that’s still a struggle for me, it’s changed somewhat recently. Especially when it comes to parental and sibling relationships.
I don’t mean in my hormonal, postpartum state of mind. I mean since becoming a mom, though the other might be true, too.
You’ll have to ask my husband about that one, I guess.
Andy and I attended a wedding yesterday for a family friend: the only brother of Andy’s best friend Matt. Weddings have affected me since my own 4.5 years ago, but something about this one touched me differently. It wasn’t just because they’re such a special couple, but because of the relationship between Matt and his brother. I connected on two levels: a) as someone with one sister who I cherish and b) as a mother to two boys.
You know I have two boys already, right? Just glance at my sidebar to see their pictures. Dylan’s quickly approaching his third birthday and Wyatt’s 7.5 months old.
I’ve talked about the special connection my sister and I have before multiple times (here, here, and here). My parents had two girls and my in-laws had three boys, so we each understand and fully appreciate the relationship siblings share.
As I listened to Matt’s best man speech, I couldn’t help but think about my boys and my dreams for their relationship. My eyes filled with tears as I listened to him speak of how special his brother is to him. He shared the words his parents used when he became a big brother: “Matt, if you always treat your brother with love, respect and encouragement and help him, you’ll have a best friend for life.” I’m fighting tears back now as I remember those words. I’ve already said something similar to D and it’s just so awesomely cool to see the end result. They truly are each others’ best friends and biggest cheerleaders.
Sisters and brothers need to hold each other close. Life is too short for regrets. I’m so thankful for my sister and my prayer for my boys is that they always cherish and build each other up. I hope one day, twenty or so years from now when I look at my boys, I see that they still love each other as much as they do now.
I’m really close with my siblings – my sister and the brother I am closest in age to in particular.
It is such a special relationship. I can imagine how emotional it can be seeing that future for your boys.:)
I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot lately. I consider my sisters my best friends. I want Jonah to have that same relationship with someone and have the same support that they provide for me, but at this point I’m scared to have another child (time, finances, work schedules, paying for school, etc.). I know I just need to give it a little more time…he’s only almost 13 months old, but I’m not getting any younger! I just go back and forth about timing. I have never (before now) even considered having one child. The sibling relationship is a very strong bond that is unlike any other!
I understand exactly where you are right now. I felt so, so similarly when D was that age. I’d never considered only having one until then. You’ll probably have a better idea of timing when Jonah’s 18 months. That’s when I knew I was ready and I’ve heard that from other moms, too. I think you’ll know when/if you’re ready. J’s adorable, btw, and he has a great mommy!