ate

Sisters are different.  They heard the sobbing in the darkness.

They lived through all your triumphs, all your favorites,

all your loves and losses.  They have no delusions.

They lived with you too long.

And so, when you achieve some victory, friends are delighted -

but sisters hold your hands in silence and shine with happiness.

For they know the cost.

 

Pam Brown

    This quote from Pam Brown got my attention. Maybe because I find it very real in me. If there is one role in this lifetime I take very seriously, that is being the Big sister in our family. Thinking about it, I can even say that I am better at being the Ate than being a daughter to my parents. I’m not pasaway naman. I guess I am just too stubborn at times that i tend to disobey my parents or find ways to insist on my ideas. And maybe that is why I am better as the Ate — I manipulate, I dominate, I dictate, hehe, joke lang. I guess it is in my nature to shelter, nurture and protect.  I know sometimes I overdo it that they tend to be too dependent on me… I’m working on that, don’t worry.

    Venus Williams, a famous tennis player, was quoted to have said this (on Serena): “I always like to win. But I’m the big sister. I want to make sure she has everything, even if I don’t have anything. It’s hard. I love her too much. That’s what counts. ” Well said, Venus. That’s the heart of a big sister speaking.