In the car, she’s always reaching out to hold her brother’s hand or just rest her hand on his arm. When she was tiny, he would feed her a bottles in the car when nothing else would keep her from wailing. As she grew, he’d hand her toys or fruit snacks; he’d distract her by pointing out birds flying in the sky or dogs walking on the sidewalk.
Two Saturdays ago as we drove out to the coast, I snapped the above photo, hoping it would help me remember their interactions long after they’ve graduated from our backseat.
A few hours later, Trenton found himself losing grip on a log he’d lifted at the beach…
To keep it from landing on Quinn, he lost an entire fingernail.
Our beautiful morning ended with a scramble to gather beach towels and sand toys—and urgent care locations, via our phones—as we led a dazed boy to the car.
I know as well as anyone that Trenton got himself into this situation, holding a log he couldn’t fully support with his little sister underfoot. But in the moment immediately after that log thumped onto the sand—during the single instant before he registered the pain—he and I locked eyes, and I could see his relief. Relief that his sister was fine.
Since then, I’ve been watching my children’s relationships with a little more wonder.
Giving them a sibling is giving them a million chances to practice sacrifice. A sibling provides continual tension:
I want / you want…
I need / you need…
Our family—right now—is the training ground for all their future interactions. Peers, co-workers, sales clerks, spouses.
So today, instead of cringing when their noise level is reverberating throughout the house, instead of losing my cool when their arguing feels like nails on a chalkboard, I’m going to step back and remember what a gift it is that they have each other.
(Albeit one less fingernail.)
Related: 8 Ways to Foster Siblings Who PLAY
Yes! I feel so thankful to have my two younger sisters, and I hope that I’m able to have a big family, as well!
Hi Emily! Thanks so much for visiting, and best wishes to you—AND those sisters of yours!
I love this. 🙂 It’s fun to watch Wendy’s nurturing side come out with Micah and I’m curious to know what their relationship will look like as he gets older . . . will he become her protector, will he look up to her because she’s the firstborn? I don’t have brothers, so it’s all new to me. 🙂 There’s nothing sweeter than little siblings holding hands!
It really is fun to imagine. Trenton and Chase are different in ways I could never have put a finger on when they were tiny, and it is so interesting to see it all play out over time.
Always great to hear from you!!
It gives me so much joy to see the relationship between my kids grow and imagine what it will be someday. What a great thought that it is also a training grounds for future interactions. I have never thought of it that way, but so true!
This post actually brought tears to my eyes, thinking of Trenton feeling relieved that he hadn’t inadvertently injured his baby sister. There is such a special bond that develops between our kids, between spats over whose turn it is to hold the ball or who gets to eat the last fruit snack. Somehow, there’s an opportunity for them to become best friends or at least hold a piece of each other in their hearts that will never fade away, no matter how many years pass.
My brother and I aren’t as close as I’d like to be, mostly because we’re in such different stages of life, but I would do ANYTHING for him, and that all stems from these early days of childhood.
Thank you for sharing such a special moment with your family with us!
Hi Evanthia! I’m sorry I’m late saying so, but I wanted to thank you for your comment. You always have the most thoughtful comments!
Hope you’re having a good week! We’re on the home stretch…!
Beautiful! I’ve often stopped to savor a moment of sibling unity – and it warms my heart. I’m reminded that God didn’t just intend my children for my husband and me, he also designed my girls for each other. It makes my role as their mom even sweeter!
It definitely does, Becky! Of course it can be a mixed bag (when they’re squabbling), but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Oh Erica, I got choked up reading this! What a beautiful post and testimony to your children’s love for one another. And I love the point you made that it is moments like these that shape them as people. You’re doing a great job, mama.
This is great! Our middle and littlest hold hands e.v.e.r.y. time they are in the car together. Love it. I love having three little girls so close in age. They are the best of friends, give the most amazing hugs…just adore each other (minus the girl-drama at times). We took the baby to the doctor a few weeks ago, and the other two surrounded her the entire visit, singing to her and holding her hand. Beautiful post!!
Best image ever! Your girls surrounding their sister at the doctor’s office. Our doctor’s visits probably look very similar!
You have a great weekend, Liz!