On the occasion of the birthday of R.E.Meenakshi, the eldest sibling of all, on January 16th, below is a beautiful writeup by Meera Narayanan on Siblings.

Siblings

"For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands" – Christina Rossetti. 

 

Would you believe it if I said that I have pulled someone’s hair, hit them, bitten them and, borne all of it in return? No one who knows me now would imagine I was capable of such antics. No one, except my sisters.

 

If I were ever to write my autobiography and wanted to be honest with my readers, I would have to dedicate at least one page to my sisters. They know me better than anyone else. I have two sisters and a brother (who came into the picture much later). For a long time, we were fondly called “The Three Sisters.” That was our identity.

 

The joy and camaraderie we share cannot be replaced by any friendship. The slightest movement of an eyebrow or an eye, a change in the colour of the face, a small twitch of the lips, a stare, or even a blink becomes our own silent language, communicating what words cannot.

 

Sibling love is unique. People often speak about the love of mothers and fathers, grandparents, and of course, spouses. Very little is said about siblings, and when it is, it usually centres on rivalry. That may be true, but it is only a part of the story.

 

Jane Austen, my favourite author, populates her novels with families rich in sibling relationships. These intimate bonds often drive the narrative forward. The affection between Elizabeth and Jane Bennet is well known, as is Elinor Dashwood’s mature understanding of her sister Marianne’s emotional sensibilities. Austen's elucidation of this natural bond in all her novels may also be one of the reasons for the timelessness of her works.

 

It is said that, 'Blood is thicker than water'.  But is it just blood that forms our bond? I feel it is more than that. 'Family' is a psychological concept, a psychological bond more than a social bond. We are emotionally connected by shared experiences and hence a cousin's spouse can also become a sibling.

 

We may not speak very often but whenever we meet we can take it seamlessly from where we left. This was very evident at the Ramassery meet -up. I am always ready to raise a toast to my siblings any time.

 

Later, I told my friends that it was due to my siblings that I am alive today, they remarked that I was lucky to have them. I agree, and thank God for all my sisters and all my brothers.