I am an only child. It wasn’t by choice. My parents really wanted more kids. It just wasn’t in the cards. I didn’t mind it growing up. I was pretty imaginative. And I think I learned to depend on myself pretty early. My parents taught me everything from playing sports to installing electrical outlets. I think I was/am well rounded. I did have a few friends in the neighborhood. Some were older, some younger. But we all got along well. So many great memories growing up at Cherry Lake. Jimmy pitching baseball games in the field and Chris being the next Duke of Hazzard. We tromped through the woods making forts during the day and we played some of the largest, stealthiest games of flashlight tag at night. We fished off the docks with bacon and dog food. When I got older we would take three wheelers to 40 Foot. Great memories. I don’t think I really realized I was an only child. But I was. I walked into groups alone. I was at school alone. I made friends by myself and I stood up for myself.

Our girls bicker. Sometimes they even have to be separated because they are just driving each other bananas. I often hear myself yelling, “Abby YOU are the older sister! You take care of her!” or “Hannah, you love Abby! Now go give her a hug!” But most of the time they adore each other. Most of the time the giggling and screaming laughter is what fills the air. I see Hannah doing so much imaginative play so early. She sings songs that Abby didn’t get the hang of until she was 4. I’m sure Hannah has learned so much from playing with her older sister. And often, when the house is quiet, I’ll go looking to see what’s wrong- and it is nothing! They are holding each other watching a movie or playing Barbie or Dress up.

Something happened this week at the park that literally made me shed a tear. The park was packed! There were quite a few 10-12 year olds there. Complete chaos. I asked the girls to stay over on the smaller equipment. I told Abby I was worried about Hannah getting pushed or hurt. The park started to clear a bit after 40 minutes or so. I told the girls they could go to the other equipment, but they had to be very careful. They took off! I decided to walk over to a different area so I could see that part of the park a bit better. Abby ran up to a group of about 6 kids (probably 6-9 years old ) playing on the zip line. Hannah was right behind her. Then Abby says, “Hi! I’m Abby and I’m 5. This is my sister Hannah. Please look out for her because she’s still kinda little.”

And then I panicked. I was proud and terrified all at once. Would these kids shoo them away? Would they laugh at Abby and ignore her??

But the kids smiled. Called the girls by name and welcomed them to the zip line. The older boy in the group explained how they were taking turns and the order. The older girl in the group gave Abby her first push. The girls mixed right in and played for at least another hour.

Not an only child. A sister to watch her back. Maybe we’ll have little (or big) arguments along the way. But they have someone. I hope and pray that when the day comes that they don’t have me and J – they will find peace and comfort in each other.

Hannah is trying to convince me that she can wear Abby’s helmet to bed.

My helpers were great today! First we found some votives for Hannah’s room at Home Depot. Then, as we were walking back to the car, we noticed all of their flowers. HB picked peach and A picked pink. Now off to the craft store. Great day so far!