As I watch our girls grow, I am amazed at their sense of devotion and loyalty. When Cora, the youngest, is sad, who does she run to? Not Mama anymore but "Sissy," who comforts her with a bear hug and kind, nurturing words: "It's okay, sweet baby. I love you." And little sister just grins at her Sissy, as if Sissy hung the moon.
And if Kate, the oldest, wakes up before her little sister, she begs to wake up "Cor-Cor" so she can play with her. The love and affection our daughters show toward one another is precious and tugs at my heartstrings.
As a sister to a younger brother, that bond is something I cannot fully understand. A brother-sister relationship is just different, I think. My brother and I were never affectionate or gentle towards one another as our girls are. While I empathized with him when he had to endure a spanking, I seriously think he laughed when I was punished. We never sat and had long talks like sisters do, nor did we ever share clothes. :) Sure we played together and had our share of adventures, but it was just different.
In the weeks following our ultrasound--when we found out we were expecting our third daughter--I admit I was sad. Part of me really longed for a little boy to love and nurture and to experience that special "mother-son relationship" with. Yet, as I think about this next little girl and her place in our family, my heart is comforted because I know she will be dearly loved: Not only by her Daddy and Mama, but also by a big Sissy who will be her protector and by her little Sissy who will kiss and hug her probably more than she will like.
While change is often difficult, especially the arrival of a new baby into a family, I know that the bond between these girls--these sisters--will transcend the difficulties. Thankfully, we serve a God who knows exactly what His children need even when it isn't necessarily what we want.
