My parents still like to tell the story of the morning I found out I was going to be a big sister. I had been an only child for four years. I had a collection of baby dolls—my “children,” I called them—whose birthdays I fêted with alarming frequency. I had been begging for a sibling for months. Needless to say, my parents assumed I’d be thrilled at the news. But when they made their announcement, my reaction was not what they’d expected. “Take it back!” I yelled, and fled from the room in tears. (more…)

When a person has a brother, it’s nice to believe that he or she will always love the brother. Obviously, there are quarrels and disagreements along the way, but in the end a brother is in your blood. You are always there to protect, support, and love him, and that feeling should be mutual. (more…)