Siblings offer one of the most unique relationships we will ever have in our lives. A while back I spent time reminiscing with my brother, and finding out things about his childhood I never knew. It was very insightful and reminded me how much I still have to learn about my siblings and how much I appreciate having them in my life.

My sisters and brothers make trips down memory lane a much more enjoyable journey. And oh the tales they could tell… they love to tell the story of how as an infant I ripped all of the bars out of my crib – guess I never have like being fenced in!

I used to think my parents were crazy for having six kids. I can’t imagine having a half dozen children! I always thought having more children than I had hands would be too much for me – therefore I only have two. However, at this point I’m glad my parents didn’t subscribe to that notion. Now I have five great friends!

Who else, but those from the same gene pool, can help you laugh at all of the things that weren’t so funny back then? Time offers great perspective. Who else will remind you that the hairdo your sister gave you while she was going to beauty school should not be repeated! (And if you think for one minute I am foolish enough to allow you to click on that picture, you’re nuts! So you’ll just have to use your imagination!)

Of course we all struggle to avoid lapsing back into whatever role we played growing up. (Can you relate?) Coming from a large family there were plenty of slots to fill, and it was as easy to label us as it was to call it a “phase” we were going through. At times the labels are hard to shake. Some of the labels we grew out of, others we grew into, and others never did fit.

With parents long since married to other people, and the house we grew up in long since occupied by others, we have learned to find other ways to create a sense of tradition. It is becoming more and more clear that home is not comprised of four walls and an address; home is where the heart is. Time spent together doesn’t require a home with history, or a set of parents celebrating their 40th anniversary to each other, it simply requires the desire to spend time together with the people who have known you the longest and love you anyway.

The bond sibling’s share is one I have come to treasure more and more. If you are lucky enough to have a sister or brother that makes your life better, pick up the phone and let them know that. Or better yet, send them a card or a treat from this wonderful catalog I happen to know a lot about… www.femailcreations.com.

The thing I am learning as an adult is that the kids I grew up with did just that – they grew up. So now I am getting to know them all over again as the people they have become.

Lisa Hammond
The Barefoot CEO ®