It’s National Siblings Day!
Ah… National Siblings Day. The day that comes once a year when brothers and sisters all over put aside their differences and acknowledge each other through thoughts, words and pictures. Mothers and Fathers have had their days of recognition for a long time. So why not round out the appreciation holidays by including those individuals who shared so many childhood memories with you?
National Siblings Day was founded by native New Yorker Claudia Evart in 1995, to honor and celebrate siblings. After losing her two siblings early in life in separate accidents, she knew how important siblings could be in our lives. Claudia created the Siblings Day Foundation (SDF), a tax-exempt organization, whose goals included the establishment of National Siblings Day. Claudia selected April 10 in honor of her late sister, Lisette’s birthday.
While all familial situations differ from one household to the next, one thing rings true for those we consider ‘siblings.’ Siblings are those that we have considered both our peers and protagonists. Siblings are our equals due to circumstances and our heroes due to actions. Whether you grew up close in age or years apart, there will always be that underlying connection which time and space cannot alter. You will forever share a bond no matter if you slept in the same bedroom or saw each other a few times a month. The relationship between siblings is an unbreakable one.
Here are some reasons why the connection between siblings is like none other you will encounter throughout your life:
- You may share genetic makeup. Do you hate your cankles or pointy nose? Don’t worry, they do too! Bond over it.
- They have seen you at your absolute worst and still love you. Still embarrassed about that time you peed on your pants at the park? Well, they’re still embarrassed for you too. But it’s okay because you have plenty of their embarrassing moments in your arsenal if they ever bring it up.
- They have seen you at your best and still love you! They will ALWAYS be your biggest supporters and cheerleaders!
- Arguments and disagreements never last long. What’s the point of drawing out bad vibes when you know you’re going to be dealing with each other for the rest of your lives?
- You can tell them anything. There’s a high possibility they aren’t even listening to you anyway.
- Want someone to vent to about your childhood and family members? Who better to do so than with than someone who was most likely there with you or experienced a similar situation?
- Holiday gifts are much easier to purchase for your parents when you have someone else to contribute funding.
- Misery loves company. Think about how much bonding occurred during illnesses. Nothing makes you feel closer than sharing the throw-up bowl or being covered in chicken pox together.
- You most likely shared clothing at some time. Whether your parents made the decision to pass down your older brother’s wardrobe to you or you snuck into your sister’s room to snag that shirt while she was gone, wearing your siblings’ clothing almost feels like taking on a part of their persona.
- Siblings know you inside and out, and never hold anything against you for just being you.
On this National Siblings Day, reach out to those who have been alongside you your entire life. Haven’t talked to them for a while? Change that, today. Because in the end, they are the ones who will be there for you when no one else is.
Happy National Siblings Day!
(And a VERY Happy National Siblings Day to my own wonderful brothers and sister – Jared, Rhiannon, Derek and Trent. Thanks for putting up with me all these years, guys!)
