Beech Tree News Network

I’ve recently been counting my blessings, and my blessings include my siblings. I understand that many people do not like their siblings – even though they may still love them. But, I like and enjoy each one of mine. My siblings and I have strong connections.

People often make comments about family, including siblings, and a few of those comments are listed below (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/siblings.html):
•    Having lots of siblings is like having built-in best friends. ~Kim Kardashian
•    Technically I have siblings, but they are quite a bit older than me - I was the accident - so I have the only-child syndrome going on. I'm a little more selfish, a little more independent, a little closed. I do wish I were softer. I wish I were able to form relationships better. ~Carrie Underwood
•    I've never had siblings, I didn't grow up in a big family; it was just me and my single mom. And hectic family dysfunction was actually something that I craved. ~Emmy Rossum
•    I don't have a regular happy family like most people. My parents are separated; my dad married someone else and so did my mom. All my siblings are from my parents' other marriages. So yes, it is complicated, and I don't like talking about it or explaining this to everybody. But all this doesn't stop us from being close to each other. ~Shahid Kapoor
•    Certainly, people can get along without siblings. Single children do, and there are people who have irreparably estranged relationships with their siblings who live full and satisfying lives, but to have siblings and not make the most of that resource is squandering one of the greatest interpersonal resources you'll ever have. ~Jeffrey Kluger
•    I do find the sibling connection endlessly fascinating, as I do all family dynamics. I like how siblings seem to create their own parentless mini-civilization within a family, one that has its own laws, myths, language, humor, its own loyalties and treacheries. ~Jandy Nelson

I like Jandy Nelson’s quote above about siblings having a mini-civilization. As I’ve mentioned before, I have five siblings. Although my siblings are very different, they share many personality traits. For instance, they are all kind, hard-working, family-oriented people who maintain a good sense of humor. They are generally planners but may procrastinate by choice (task specific – ask their spouses for details). Each one of my siblings has special traits that stand out:
•    First brother: a leader who shoulders responsibility, but doesn’t feel the need to do so in every circumstance.
•    Second brother: a compassionate and forgiving man. He has a big heart.
•    Third brother: a resourceful problem solver. He has – or can find – materials or tools to fix almost anything.
•    Fourth brother: a creative man. He writes science fiction and poetry and enjoys woodworking.
•    Sister: a thoughtful, loyal woman. She acknowledges family members’ birthdays and anniversaries. She worries and encourages equally.
Of course, they have many other good qualities, exceeding my descriptions. Though I’m biased, they are all good people.

Some families encounter events or experiences that damage relationships and wreck the family infrastructure. Many siblings have argued for years, making communication in troubled times even more difficult. Additionally, sibling rivalry doesn’t go away when people become adults. An Internet article stated: “When siblings, whether young or old, can admit that they are sorry for actions that resulted in a conflict, the relationship can then move forward. A sincere apology and a willingness to forgive can mend a broken sibling relationship over time….There is no such thing as a perfect sibling relationship. But…, you and your siblings can work through difficult times…” (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/mending-sibling-relationships-14889.html).

My family has hit a few bumps in life’s road, too. Hilda Solis said, “My parents raised me and my six siblings with little money... but lots of love” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/siblings.html). I can say the same of my parents raising me and my five siblings. Through the bumps in life, I have been thankful for the love and support my siblings have shown. I am blessed.