On the 12th of February 2016, Liana woke up as a single child and by the time she went to sleep, she was a big sister. Her role was redefined forever.
It was a momentous occasion, and we had prepared Liana well. She was ready to welcome "tambi paapa" into her life, heart and home. For me, the preparation was with mixed feelings. I didnt want to undergo another birth experience, but soon families with two kids started getting my attention. The fights, the standing up for each other, the shared candy bars... and I realized I would be withholding one of life's greatest blessings from Liana by holding on to my fears. And letting go of that fear was one of the best decisions ever.
Ryan loves Liana with an adoration I can't fathom. He has eyes only for her when she is around, always ready to giggle and jump and smothers her with affectionate watery kisses. They might never have all the luxuries and attention a single child enjoys, but what they have is a friend for life. And I am reminded how they would be there for each other long after we are gone.
Who else forgives as quick as a brother? Who else is our strongest allay. The only people in the world who would stand up for us behind our backs, the ones who pray for us. The ones we turn to in times of trouble. The ones who hold our hands in times of sickness. Our secret keeper, our friend, our counsellor, our critic. Where would we all be without our siblings. No matter how much we fight, we always find our way back to each other. No matter what our differences might be, trust me when I say, hell has no fury like a sibling scorned.
