Being Big Sister

Posted on 30. Oct, 2008 by Karen in Family and Friends, Health

This week I had to pull rank on my sister.  She’s the one I refer to as “Meno Mom”, the mother of the now infamous Peanut, my 4 year old niece.  Meno Mom has become a wonderful caregiver in midlife.  She’s a single mom raising the Peanut and is infinitely patient and loving with my mother who has severe dementia.  And, the truth be known, Meno Mom is the best sister anyone could have.  I am blessed.

Now lest you think we’re Stepford sisters, we’re not.  We disagree and even argue vehemently from time to time.  We gossip.  We tussle over Ben and Jerry’s Heath Bar Crunch ice cream and cry together during Extreme Home Makeover on Sunday nights.  And we are always there for one another. 

Last week though, Meno Mom was sick as a dog.  She and Peanut both had colds.  Meno Mom took great care of my niece but not herself.  Then last Saturday, she casually mentioned to me on the phone that she almost passed out at Peanut’s Karate tournament.   

What Meno Mom didn’t know and should never forget is that big sisters constantly worry about their little sisters.  Yes, you heard it here.  She’s the youngest even though I always tell people it’s the other way around (not that they believe me, mind you).  But little sisters never get too old for big sister concern.  So when Meno Mom had to go to ER yesterday because of shortness of breath, I was extremely concerned although I had to hide it because Peanut was with me.

Long story short–Meno Mom has viral bronchitis.  She is now under strict orders from doctor and friends to stay home.  And I, with my traditional big sisterly charm, threatened her with bodily harm if she didn’t take care of herself and get well.  Because you see, being big sister never ends — no matter how old we get.

What’s your experience?

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4 Responses to “Being Big Sister”

  1. Karen

    31. Oct, 2008

    Karen,
    Thanks for “pulling rank” on Meno Mom. It means that I didn’t have to jump on a plane and get after her! You are both my sisters and I am blessed to have you in my life. Love you!

  2. Karen

    31. Oct, 2008

    Karen–Love you too!! You know we love when you come to visit, but glad you didn’t have to fly out here to take your girl to task!

    Karen Too

  3. Karen Mulvahill

    02. Nov, 2008

    From all the little sisters out here, THANKS to our big sisters. I know it’s not always fun to be the one in charge, the one everyone else calls to find out what the plans are, or what’s going on with another family member, the strong one. My big sis is all that and more, my best friend, too. And once in a while, she even lets me help with something! :-)

  4. Karen

    03. Nov, 2008

    Karen–I know your big sis is going through challenges now. You get to switch roles as my sister and I do sometimes. You’ll be great as the temporary “big sis”.

    Karen

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