Two is better than one they often say, or as per the Afghan quote "two are better than one, and three than two." Countless quotes, proverbs and sayings talk about two being better than one and maybe one of my favourites is from Ecclesiastes 4 9:10 in the Bible that says "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up the other." As my countdown starts nearing completion with 2 days to go until I officially celebrate my 40th birthday, it would be remiss of me to not celebrate a very big, important and significant part of my life - my siblings...
I am blessed with not just one, but 6 siblings... how the makeup exists is not important - but I am grateful every day that I am blessed with not just the "two is better than one" scenario or three is better than two.. but 6 - which to me is wayyyyyy better than any of the aforementioned! I came across an awesome article a while back that shares "How your siblings can make you happier" published by the Greater Good Science Centre that studies the Science of Happiness. It resonated on many levels and got me thinking...
As per the article, our relationship with our siblings is often our longest-standing relationship in our lives usually extending way beyond the parent/child relationship. More so, spouses and romantic partners may come and go, friendships and other relationships don't always last a lifetime, but those of our siblings are there for our entire lifespan. Because of this long relationship, our sibling relationships matter - to our personal growth and well-being. Those who have healthy and close sibling relationships are said to have better mental and psychological health and better social relationships. The adverse is true too, with those with toxic and hostile sibling relationships often having increased levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms as well as anti-social behaviours! And here we thought our siblings where just about the fact of us sharing a parent or two or some blood connection...
I can talk and share thousands of articles, research and writings about siblings, but it wouldn't cover what I want to share about MY siblings... so without being too verbose as can be my tendency, today I want to pay tribute to the people and special souls I get to call siblings. The people that are as different as each finger is unique on a hand, or that have their own individual flavour and character like different fruits with their own flair and taste but together create the most yummy and tastiest fruit salad. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, and as with all siblings we have had our fair share of fights and disagreements and shouting and screaming and and and... but when it has really come to the push and we've been completely down and out and not okay, I know that I have 6 special souls...and in some cases their significant others and now children, that are there for me in any way and form that matters.
So today, I pay tribute to Roshnee - my Motibhen meaning big sister who has the most fluorescent personality and continually takes care of us, guides us, supports us and is always so full of fun and entertainment and ready for that next adventure.. To Kavita, our other big sister who is wise and intuitive beyond her years but always with a calm presence but with just enough push to take us out of our comfort zones and has become our counsellor and coach always holding us to task. To Nayna - my first big sister who was my first taste of "two is better than one" - and has shown me over and over again how love comes in so many forms, and of the deep love of protecting ones near and dear especially when they are being hurt or harmed...Thank you that you are always there to spoil us with your sometimes too generous, giving and kind heart... To Bhavesh, my big brother who was my partner in crime growing up getting into the craziest of shenanigans and still now is often my "go-to" first person to call for SO many situations - your fierce love for family first and always being there is something I truly appreciate..
To my youngest sister Priya, who has blossomed into such an amazing, mature and wise soul. It has been a blessing to journey along you as we encounter the huge challenges we have and knowing that I can lean on you and vice versa, and of course watching you create your magnificent crochet creations...To my youngest brother Nitesh who is the the baby in the family with the best sense of humour - yes we are bonded for life through our trauma - but we certainly have more and amazing other bonds than this too! With a 7-year age gap I have blessed to see you grow from a young boy to a teen and young man to the amazing adult you are becoming.. A wise old soul finding his place in life and so much to offer the world!
As I said, it hasn't been easy and smooth sailing always, but every argument, disagreement and fight has just led to deeper understanding and healthier boundaries. Maybe it's because we're all each other has, and have lost our parents and guardians in such a short space of time, but I know that I certainly won the golden ticket in the sibling lottery in life. It saddens me that many I know don't have this relationship and bond with their brothers and sisters, and many can't even remember why they stopped talking/liking each other in the first place. I hope whatever you're going through, you're able to put your differences aside and celebrate the joy of two is better than one...and three than two... and the gift of siblings and the joy and happiness they can bring into your life..
Much love always, Poonam
31 October 2023
p.s. had to share some awesome moments and memories with my awesome siblings..
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