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With One Last Year of High School, I Hope My Kids Connect
It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, my daughter, Mia, was a lanky 10-year-old sporting pigtails and a cute outfit from a trendy store. Her little brother, Jake, was a cuddly 7-year-old with that adorable baby fat still lingering on his cheeks. They’d hop into the minivan, backpacks slung over their shoulders, and I’d drive them to the back entrance of their elementary school. They strolled in together, completely unaware that this would be their last first day together for quite some time.
Fast forward to now: Mia is 17, filled with that unique mix of teenage wisdom and a hint of arrogance, while Jake, at 14, is trying on the world of teenage freedom and responsibility. The pigtails and baby fat have vanished, and so has the minivan. Now, my twelfth and ninth graders drive themselves to school, and I watch from the driveway as Mia takes the wheel, feeling a bittersweet pride as they set off together.
This year, they might not bump into each other often in the labyrinth of their high school, but just knowing they’re in the same building brings me so much joy. It reminds me of the time nearly 15 years ago when I was anxiously awaiting Jake’s arrival, my second child pressing down on my full bladder. I remember feeling a mix of happiness knowing I’d have one of each—a boy and a girl—and a tinge of sadness that Mia wouldn’t have a sister to grow up with. A close friend reassured me that many brothers and sisters have bonds just as strong, and I cling to that hope as I watch my kids develop their own relationship.
While I can’t pinpoint any specific evidence of their bond, there are countless moments that have turned into cherished memories: Mia painting Jake’s tiny toddler nails bright red, the two of them screaming in delight on roller coasters, and Jake showing Mia how to score goals in FIFA on the Xbox. Even those obligatory walks with the dog, though they were more of a chore than a choice, served to deepen their connection.
When I once asked Mia what she and Jake chatted about during their 20-minute walks, she playfully refused to spill the beans, saying, “Some things are just between siblings.” Initially, I felt a little left out, but then I realized this is exactly what I hoped for them—a special bond that’s just theirs. They might confide in each other about the trials of having parents who can be a bit dorky, or share secrets about crushes, but I’m okay not knowing every detail. Some conversations are meant to stay between a brother and sister.
Today, they received their class schedules, and as they looked them over, Mia was thrilled to see they share the same floor for every period. It might not seem like a big deal for a two-story school, but it gives me comfort knowing they’ll be physically close for one more year. Soon, they’ll likely be off to separate schools, homes, or even states. But for now, they’re together again.
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In summary, as my kids embark on their final year in high school together, I hope they continue to nurture the bond they’ve built over the years. Watching them grow up has been a beautiful journey, and I can’t wait to see where their paths lead, even if they diverge in the future.