I quite often write about national days. Some of them are very frivolous such as National Cupcake day. I happen to think that there is some very well worthwhile value to National Sibling's Day. I wrote a post about it last year.
The surprising thing about National Sibling's Day is that it's a very recently organized event. The idea was originated in 1997 and in 1999 April 10 was put aside for National Sibling's Day. Some states have declared April 10 to be a holiday
There is a similar day in India which has a much older origin.
I took the opportunity to tell my three brothers that they are the best brothers I could have ever had. I told them that they are each very different and that they have supported me in their own way. I thanked them for being my brothers.
It's also an opportunity to mend some fences. Not all siblings have a good relationship. Just maybe if the day is celebrated some siblings may be able to rekindle a relationship.
My two children have no relationship at all . They had a fight and since they are very good with words they said some hateful things to each other. With the Internet words can fly back and forth very rapidly and there isn't much time for reflection. . Since one lives in Chicago and one on the west coast, they have no trouble avoiding one another and the schism does not cause any awkward problems. However, as a family we would be much happier if we had a regular relationship. So today I emailed them requesting that the hatchet be buried.
A belated Happy Sibling's day.
Ah, that's very rough for you and your wife. I hope your kids think carefully about what you've asked them to do and just find a way to do it. My sib and I don't talk often but we are on good terms when we do. We are very different in personality but we share childhood memories so I feel that connection with him.
ReplyDeleteBeing cut off by time and distance is a challenge to maintain a close relationship.
DeleteIt is truly wonderful to remember your siblings in this way, and I do hope your sons can put their differences aside. My only sister passed on several years ago and I would give anything to be able to wish her a Happy Siblings Day as I miss her terribly. Maybe your sons will read this message, life is too short to let quarrels get in the way of being together and one day you might not get the chance, and there will be so many regrets.
ReplyDeleteIt's a son and a daughter. I wrote a letter to both of them.
DeleteGood luck with that hatchet!
ReplyDeleteI'm like Jenny, my bro lives on Vancouver Isl., and I very seldom see him. He flies into a mining camp two weeks at a time. I never know when he is home. He is useless at birthdays, etc., and totally a flake!
This is a challenge but it's still worth some effort to maintain a relationship.
DeleteI am not close to two of my sisters, but they are much younger than me, and although we don't see each other often, there is no "bad blood" between us. I like that picture of you and your brothers. I have a friend whose two children cannot be in the same room with each other, which means the whole family is never all together. They take turns with holidays. :-(
ReplyDeleteMy youngest brother is 15 years younger. I only lived with him for two years and he doesn't remember it.
DeleteI have helped deliver some new siblings this last few weeks, lambs and calves
ReplyDeleteNow I wonder how they will get along!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear that about your kids. I hope they find a way to mend their relationship. It's sad when siblings can't get along.
ReplyDeleteI used siblings day to write them the same letter. I'll keep working at it.
DeleteThis is a painful subject for me because fifteen years ago my only sibling, my older brother, decided for no apparent reason he didn't want me or my family in his life any more. We never quarreled. I didn't even hear from him when our parents died. You can't choose your siblings, but it would be nice to have one who cared enough to value the relationship.
ReplyDeleteThis one would be hurtful. The longer things go on the harder it is to renew any relationship.
DeleteMy only sibling, my older sister, passed away in March. That is probably one reason I've been a bit slow with my blogging lately. I think your idea of burying the hatchet is excellent! Have a good weekend, Red.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the loss of your sister. No matter what age we are it's difficult to lose someone.
DeleteI wonder what caused the rift between your son and daughter. Perhaps you will post about this some time. Good on you for sending e-mails to them. In life, friends can come and go but siblings will always be there. They are like fellow travellers in a space capsule.
ReplyDeleteI hope your e-mail is effective. I've never understood people who can't move on after a dispute and maintain a relationship. (Maybe I've just never had a mean enough fight.) My brother and I communicate on Facebook but we don't get to see or talk to each other much these days. And we let siblings' day pass us by with nary a glance!
ReplyDeleteI get along okay with my brothers. My sisters, on the other hand, too much bad blood. I've been emotionally abused by them, can't trust either of them ever again, and had to cut them completely out of my life.
ReplyDeleteVisiting with you from Out On The Prairie blog. Easter blessings to you. Great photo of you with your brothers. I am thankful for an older brother and sister, especially since my parents are deceased. My brother lives about an hour away but my sis is a 10 hour drive away. I'm thankful we can talk by phone. Easter is a time to reflect on our special memories of Easter with our parents.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened to my two cousins. The brothers are very strong willed and one of them especially won't give in. It's very sad. I hope your kids will reconcile. It's sad for both of them. Both my grandchildren are only children which makes me a little sad. I love having a brother. It's so lovely that you sent your siblings such a nice letter. They will cherish your words.
ReplyDeleteJust because you are related to someone doesn't mean you have to like them. Of course you will always love them but like is a whole different ball game. I have some people in my life I put up with but I don't like them, I TRY to be civil at all times. Perhaps I am too judgemental and old and cranky.
ReplyDeleteI hope your children bury their hatchett.
Good photo of you and your brothers:)
Hope your kids bury the hatchet! I am an only child married an only child... so we have to celebrate Only Child day! :)
ReplyDelete