Most sisters have an unbreakable bond that lasts a lifetime. My sister and I had an even stronger bond because we were sharing a room. My parents had a home business and used the spare bedroom as an office. My sister and I, 2.5 years apart, shared a room as far as I can remember—I can recall her being in a crib and standing up to greet me in the mornings. When we were very young, we shared a queen-size bed but would always sleep close to each other in that large bed. We were each other’s security blanket, and always comforted each other when there were bad storms or when we had nightmares. Even after my parents put us to bed, we would stay up and talk about whatever had happened that day or whatever random things that would pop into our heads.
When we were both in elementary school, we got separate beds but were still sharing a room. We would chat and play in the same room as we always did. I was the shy, cautious child in school, and my sister was brave and outgoing. I believe sharing a room as young children made us both better sisters. We learned to share at a very early age and developed our own sister language that only we could understand. There were days when I was teen that I wished I had my own room, closet, bathroom—my own space to myself. But looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of that because I had a best friend to confide in and who I trusted that could help me through the hard times. I learned a lot from my little sister: how to trust, love, and be kind to everyone, and I owe it all to sharing a room.
I hope that my son will be lucky enough to have someone with whom to share that bond. A friend for life…and if they are lucky enough, to share a space together where they can grow and learn from each other in a safe environment. Sharing a room shapes who you are and you can learn a lot from another person and how they live and use a space.
Sharing a room made me a better parent. My sister was strong willed and would get frustrated if my parents didn’t understand her needs, but I was able to comprehend what she needed, which that took patience and our sisterly bond to overcome her frustrations. I am now patient with my son because I know he gets frustrated with something and can’t tell me using words. I am also a better listener because of my sister. When we were older, I was able to listen without judgment and acknowledge her concerns with open ears. We had to trust and listen to each other no matter what because we shared the same space. With my son, I try to slow down in my everyday activities and listen with purpose to understand what he’s telling me or showing me.
I know we were better sisters together because we shared a room and memories in that room together. The bond between a parent and child is unbreakable, and the bond between siblings is innocent and pure. A room is just four walls connected together, but what happens inside those walls is what lasts forever. I will cherish those years with my sister and I hope my son will get the opportunity to share those same memories with a sibling.
