Sisterhood and Brotherhood

“I don’t believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.” Maya Angelou

Are my kids too old to be bribed with popsicles so they'll sit in one spot and let me take their picture? Absolutely. Did I do it anyway? Why, yes, I did.

(This would be a very fake laugh given specifically for my camera.)

(Oh, look! Her fake smile has emerged into something resembling a real smile! Camden? Not so much.)

I'm honestly not sure if it's tougher to be the oldest or the youngest in this duo. Being big brother/little sister both have challenges. They recently had a "moment" that I wanted to jot dot down I wouldn't remember, mostly because I hope it's the first of many.

While playing soccer outside together, Rory had wronged Camden, and he chose to walk away rather than engage her (hello, progress!!). After the tears had been shed, punishment handed out, apologies given, Rory asked if she could talk to Camden privately on the front porch. 

I, of course, camped outside the door with my ear pressed to the wall in an effort to hear the conversation. And I listened while Rory cried and poured out all her feelings (so. many. feelings.) and attempted to explain to Camden how he has hurt her feelings over the last few months, asked for advice on friendships and school. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I listened to them so I did a little of both. Rory was so brave to let her deep emotions flow out to the one who honestly has the power to hurt her the most, and Camden was so mature to actually listen and offer brotherly advice. 

Did this exchange bring about lasting change in their relationship? The fact that I had to bribe them to sit together should answer loud and clear that the answer is no. But I have high hopes that they'll both look back on this day in the future and realize it was the beginning of a friendship.