Sibling Worship

Martina, 7, is so lucky, so blessed, to have 4 older siblings to learn from, to pester, to worship. Each of her older sibs brings something fantastic and unique to the life-experience mix for their youngest sister.

Travis, 17, is here. He is here, in her life every day. He reads Greek myths, helps her scrub the dirty water buckets for the chickens, takes her for walks, and set off fire crackers for her viewing pleasure. He is the one she kisses goodnight, every night. Travis cooks her breakfast. Even at 7 she seems to realize that he is one who shows up...and he is. He babysits her when I work. He loves her in the gentle, even-tempered, horribly important way that every little girl needs and which effects her every relationship with men. Forever.

(I promise to take some photos of these two together this weekend and post them ASAP!)

Aleia, 18, is the littlest big sister. She's little in almost every way. Aleia is a tiny little gal who is also quiet of voice, quiet of action and quiet of spirit. She is the girl who sits in the floor and plays dollhouse endlessly with her little sister. She, somehow, has the endurance to take orders and roll play and participate in long hours of imaginary play with Martina without breaking. Not being one of those who can do that, I tell you that I am immensely happy that my youngest child has someone who can. (This is why there are no pictures. I'm so relieved to be relieved of my duties that I go hide when Aleia is with Martina.)

Eli, 20, the biggest big sister...not that she's big. Compared to Aleia she is, but compared to a normal human she's just about perfect. She was in the room when Martina was born.

Eli is the Pied Piper of Children. Wherever she goes, if there are small children, they circle around and bounce and sing and participate in her zany games. She is loud. She is rowdy. She is babysitter who wears your children out so that they sleep through your hangover the next day. For her little sis, she is the girl who plays crazy, who calls and takes her on dates on the day-of movie premieres. Elizabeth is the one who remembers birthdays and birthday wishes, who covers her big, big heart with her big, big mouth. But we know her game and we love her for it.

Randall, 22, biggest big brother. He is the one I refer to as Martina's companion bookend because they are the two on the ends, propping everyone else up in the middle. Randall is the only one of the kids who does not put up with his little sister's mess. If she licks his face, he licks her face right back. If she is in the mood to kick shins, so is he. Randall is also the hero who Martina knows she can call out for if she's in trouble, like Miss Polly calls Underdog. He will save her. He is big and strong and almighty. Randall carries her up mountains and poses her like a statue on ancient monuments and holds her hand to keep her safe.

I know one lucky little girl who has four older siblings. Her name is Martina.