My sister and I are only 22 months apart in age.  This has been cause for periods of extreme closeness and periods of conflict.  We are very different in personality but very much alike when it comes to important stuff.

We grew up in a very small town and shared a lot of friends.  People who knew us well didn't see us as looking much alike but strangers would ask if we were twins (still do).  We experienced jealousy about the other on occasion, at least on my part.  I thought she was more talented and pretty.  I also thought she got spoiled being the baby.  In hindsight she was probably jealous that I got to do things before she did because I was older.  I think she might have been jealous of my grades too

We have always been proud of each other, happy for each other and worried about each other.  I love her daughter as if she were my own and I know how much she loves my boys.  We are very close in relationship and proximity.

My sister was a bit of a wild one growing up and I was always pretty reserved.  She has really done well for herself and I am very proud.  She has a wonderful family and is a successful career woman.

We were able to have lunch together yesterday and it was so nice.  We had sushi and a nice long talk.  We talked about how limited our experiences were growing up and how we can't believe how great our lives are now.  Our kids have all of the advantages we didn't and isn't that really what all parents strive for?

I never thought my sister would marry as well as she did.  She seemed to keep dating guys I couldn't stand when we were growing up.  She ended up marrying one of the most down to earth, good hearted guys I've ever met.  The two of them have helped my family out on many occasions and we are so thankful to have them.

My husband is an only child so he doesn't really grasp the magnitude of the bond between my sister and myself but he has gotten to spend a lot of time with my sister and they are really close now too.  I never imagined my husband and sister would get along so well.  I am so lucky to have a sister who is such a good friend.