Getting ready
London, ON, April 2007 [Click to enlarge]
Before the big dinner at our house, Dahlia helped her little brother, Noah, get his favorite new shirt all done up. His first attempt ended up with the buttons aligned just a little off, so in stepped his motherly big sister to save the day.
She's always been like that. From the moment he was born, Dahlia's been there, helping him in whatever way she sees fit. The tone in her voice changes when she shifts into big sis mode. I love watching her empathy in action, because it reinforces that we've done something right.
I love moments like this because they give me hope that our kids will grow up with a strong sense of needing to look out for each other. I don't believe that siblings are close simply because they're siblings. There's so much more that explains why this dynamic takes root in some children and not in others. Looking at my own kids on this special evening, I knew they were off to an excellent start.
Your turn: Brothers and sisters looking out for each other. Nice thought, isn't it?
Posts
29 comments:
"I don't believe that siblings are close simply because they're siblings." I could not have said it better myself.
I do like the idea of them looking out for each other. Especially in this day and age. My girls do not have a brother, but they are very protective, caring, helpful to each other, most of the time.
Its a lovely thought. Even though my brothers and I haven't had the greatest relationship, I know that if I really was in trouble, they would be there to support me. They like to think that this is a usual occurance, but we all know better ;)
That is a very sweet photo. You've done something right, indeed.
It's a lovely thought.
Shame that it's becoming less and less prevalent.
Oh that is so sweet! I just love seeing pics of siblings getting along and helping each other.
Another blogger friend posted a pic of her son and daughter (both teens) sharing a couch and blanket while reading. That was such a sweet pic too.
Cute, cute, cute pic :)
I was the big sister in my home growing up and was FORCE to look after my brother. I resented it as a youth, but we were closer because of it for sure. I look at my children and can see that its my daughter that will take care of the boys. Perhaps its the maternal instinct we have? Idk
I agree. My sister and I are not close really. It's one reason I didn't worry about having an only child. Of course the "only child" I have doesn't like being an only child and said she wouldn't want that for anyone.
I've always been the little mommy to my own younger brother and sister. I used to get them up and dressed and ready for day-care when I was in 3rd grade. In fact, I still call them "the kids" and they're 20 and 22. =)
Hi Carmi,
He looks very much like you in this shot...
Air show... Are you on your way to the Paris Air Show by chance?? Purchasing an old plane too I suppose??? lol lol lol...
As it is nearly midnight here, I am off to bed. Trying to finish an assignment, but alas, it will have to go in tomorrow...
Lovely children Carmi. Their expressions are so serious and capture the special relationship.
I was the big sister and I miss my little brother so much.
Here from Michele.
Nice post--and a nice wish that our children grow up to look after each other.
I love that post, Carmi. My daughter is longing to live near her brother, his wife, and little Ella. In fact, she has her house for sale in hopes of moving soon, and I won't be far behind.
I have no siblings and have always regretted that I didn't have the opportunity to know that relationship.
I'm not close to my sisters at all as I've remained in contact with my father and they've chosen not to. My two daughters however are very close. They take care of each other and more importantly 'tolerate' each other so there is rarely any disharmony between them. I love watching them together when they're unaware. The sweetness does good things for my heart.
Oh, I love that photo! Unplanned, unposed, just natural. You have two little sweeties there, Carmi! I too have a boy and a girl, and moments like this, rare as they might be, emphasize what you said about siblings not necessarily being close just because they're siblings.
Visiting from Michele's, since it looks like you got skipped!
so sweet. my kids look out for eachother and it melts my heart every time.
This line could not be more spot on "I don't believe that siblings are close simply because they're siblings."
My sis & I where not close growing up even though we are only 21 months apart, but one summer when I went away to work at summer camp she came to visit for a night. Next thing we knew she was staying for the rest of the summer & we we've been best of buds ever since. I'm not exactly sure what changed that summer, maybe being 15 & 17 we were old enough to realise we had a lot in common and that we were better as a team than seperate - I don't know, but I'm SUPER glad it happened - she's my bestest friend in the whole world!!
Found you at Michele's...but I have this sneaking suspicion that I've been here before.....
As an only child I wish I had the opportunity for that kind of simbiotic relationship and hope that my girls will as they grow up.
So sweet, Carmi. Job well done, Dad and Mom.
Me again -- here this time OFFICIALLY from Michele's. Glad I got to come back -- the shots you have posted over the past three days have become some of my favorites. So, if you don't mind, I'm going to browse!
Wonderful shot Carmi. I love my brother and sister. I hope I am raising my kids for them to see eachother as a treasure....given to one another by God.
:) Great post!
Yes, that is a sweet picture. My two girls have moments like that that just melt my heart. Sorta makes up for the times when they're at each other's throats! LOL
I hope all of my kiddos grow up with a close, loving relationship.
This is very precious. The sibling bond can be very strong. Siblings are closer biologically than any other relation. The only way to be closer is to be a twin. I'm blowing in from Michele's. Looks like rain here.
Hi Carmi..... :-)
'Brothers and sisters looking out for each other. Nice thought, isn't it?'
Not in my family, sadly. I am the Noah of my family (the youngest) and have always been, and still am, regarded as a total pain and waste of space......in fact, two of my three siblings disowned me..
But I love your photo, my dear - just because my family doesn't work doesn't mean I don't appreciate close families.... :-)
cq
I look after my little sister. More so when we were younger and kids would pick on her. Then I would play the Big sister card and tell them to BACK OFF or they would have to deal with me. That usually solved the problem. I wouldnt ever fight anyone, I wasnt like that, but they thought I would and left her alone...hehe.
Hi Carmi.....
You can see the tenderness shared. Capturing a moment like this when they are paying attention allows the feelings to go unfiltered.
My two have their moments and know how to push each other's buttons just like all siblings. Luckily it doesn't happen very often because they enjoy each other's company. This week, my daughter attended her farewell dance at middle school.....all dressed up and glowing....beautiful. Unfortunately, my husband and son didn't see her before she left because of a baseball game. So, after the game we snuck into the dance and stood on the sidelines....and I watched my son watch his big sister interacting with her friends before she knew we were there....he was completely smitten and pleased for her. When she came over to greet us, his first comment was how beautiful she looked, and then went right to a zinger brotherly question to cover up.
love the picture, your comments and your question.
I have a daughter and son also and they are extremely close (my daughter being 2 1/2 yrs older than my son). She said not too long ago that he is her best friend, and he really is. At 17 and 15, they are still precious.
It remind me of my big sis. We're close because we always look out for each other.
A great picture and post. Brings to mind the relationship between my two sons. Even though one is now 25 years old and the other one is 21 their relationship is as close as it ever has been. My oldest son has been married for two years and my youngest son is a senior in college, And yet if you watch them interact with one another you can tell they don't only love one another as brothers but they actually like being around each other. Thanks for taking me there in my mind Carmi..
Post a Comment