Four years ago, we loaded up my mom’s minivan and drove down to Kansas. I was excited to start a new chapter of my life. I was also eager to be independent of my parents and sister, Marian.
At the time, Marian was just an angsty eighth grader and I was the way cooler sister. (In my opinion.) We spent more time criticizing fashion choices than actually getting along.
Then I moved to college — and distance made the heart grow fonder.
Now, Marian is my sister and my friend. I am constantly learning from her and/or cracking up at the things she says…
Example: A few months ago, we were walking downtown when a car rolled by. The 20-something guy in the passenger’s seat rolled down the window, held up a Labrador puppy and yelled “check out this chick magnet!” Before I could even comprehend what happened, my sister replied “Yeah, boy!” Once I figured it out, I could not stop laughing.
Basically, ever since moving away, I’ve been kicking myself for not realizing sooner how wonderful my sister is. Why didn’t we get along so well when we shared a house (and bathroom)?
Now, though, we get another chance: Marian is beginning her freshmen year at the University of Kansas and we get to share a state again! I just have to remind myself this doesn’t mean we can hang out all the time.
Today, however, it did.
Marian’s move is tomorrow, but my family came down a day early so the girls could spend some time at the spa.
Then we visited Target for some of Marian’s last-minute essentials.
Appreciating sister-time… Better late than never.
