And so, if you'd read my last blog (which was a dusty, cobwebby age ago. . .) you witnessed yet another adversarial situation between my sister and I. If you didn't read it, the short version of the issue was that she was miffed that her child didn't get "enough" presents on her first Christmas. And I was fretting over how her first birthday party was going to go. I'd offered to throw it and, in the midst of some unexpected financial issues, had to scale back a great deal on the initial plan. Had it been anyone else,  wouldn't have thought twice about it. Hell, we're all a little strapped for cash these days. I'm not complaining. I'm grateful to still have my job (even if I hate it) and I'm still thankful to be able to indulge myself with a $5.00 Starbucks every now and then. Anyhooo. . .

I need to say this. And I need to say it fast before a) the thrill is gone and b) something happens to ruin the moment.

Ahem. (clearing throat) MY PREDICTION AS TO HOW MY SISTER WOULD BEHAVE ON HER CHILD'S FIRST BIRTHDAY WAS WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. SO FAR OFF THE MARK WRONG WRONG WRONG I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG WRONG WRONG.

And I've never been so happy to be so wrong. 

Though the party was simple - cake and ice cream only, as opposed to the original buffet lunch, THEN cake and ice cream plan - everyone was happy. It was the first time, in a long time, that this many members of my family were together and happy. Sure, there were some people missing. People like a dear, dear uncle who didn't come because he's angry at my other dear, dear uncle (who DID come). People like my great-aunt who lives far away but was miffed because. . .well just because. (That's another story entirely. And you don't want to hear it. And I don't want to repeat it. . .) 

Most importantly, my niece and sister were happy. My niece dove right into her little cupcake, knowing EXACTLY what it was for, with a joy reserved for only the most indulgent of pleasures. She smooshed and squeezed and shove icing and cupcake into her mouth, her nose, rubbed it onto her cheeks, giggling all the while. She was a MESS and we all loved it. 

My sister adored the cake, the decorations, the gifts for her baby. To my knowledge, she never counted, looked for price tags or receipts or felt neglected. To my knowledge, she did nothing but relax, smile and say that the cake was delicious.

And at the end of the party, she said something to me that she's never said to me before with such sincerity: THANK YOU. I was overwhelmed with emotion at that point because I realized that what I was really wanting from my sister wasn't necessarily for her to CHANGE entirely, conform to social norms or to NOT dress her baby in Johnny Cash T-Shirts. I realized that I just wanted her to love me and maybe appreciate the love that I DO feel for her - despite the fact that I rarely agree with her choices or behavior. For the first time in a VERY long time, I felt like she was really my sister.

I don't know how long this feeling will last. And I don't care. I'm enjoying it now, while it's here. I'm soaking up as much of this as I can and loving every second of it. 

Jeez. O.K. Now I have to go. We're having to share a computer at home right now (which is why I haven't been able so sit, concentrate and write a blog) and the hubby needs it. Off for now. xoxo