I try to form their circle, linking fingers as quickly as they lose hold.
Long and skinny hands envelope chubby toddler knuckles, all growing into the shape of my husband’s or mine.
After pulling away and reaching back again and again, they are finally one.
Stepping aside, I sing for them as they turn together.
Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies.
Each glances my way, proudly belting out the version they have decided correct.
Tiny feet trace the floor, concentrating on their role,
on each other.
Ashes, ashes
We all fall down.
Finishing their song, I watch them float to the ground.
Again, again they ask.
We continue this dance and I can’t help but notice,
someone is always standing at the end, pulling the others up for one more time around.
A gift they bring to each other.
Their carefully fashioned circle, where someone is always standing.
As they stumble through life I can only hope I have woven their circle strong enough.
I hope their hearts stay linked and their hands outstretched,
ready to pick each other up when they fall.
———————-
I’m thrilled to be sharing a part of our infertility journey with Mamalode today. Have I ever mentioned how much I love that place? You must visit, if not to read my story, to read the many talented writers who leave their words there.
Also, I’m truly honored to have my first post up at The Huffington Post (no I can’t believe I’m typing this). I would love for you to visit me there.
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Awww! I hope so too.
My girls fuss & argue a lot, but when push comes to shove they always have each others’ backs.
Sibling relationships can definitely have their ups and downs. Here is hoping that there are mostly ups! Off to go read your other posts . . .
Hoping the same!
Sometimes it’s hard for me to see my boys being best buds someday, but that’s always the hope. Hopefully the foundation is being laid. Loved your piece on Huff Po!
beautiful words create such imagery. Congrats on Huff post too!
This is so sweet. My daughter is an only child and sometimes worry that she’ll miss that sibling connection.
It’s my sister’s 43rd birthday today and I still hold her hand when she’s slipping.
Thanks for the beautiful reminder that this love was forged long before I knew it was happening.
I can’t remember life without her.
Because sibling bonds are stronger than time.
I think I am closer to my brothers now than I ever was when we were young. I hope my children always stay close too.
Beautiful words and adorable shot with your sweet toddlers. Honestly, I’m a first guest on your blog because I had been searching for some information about autism and children in the last couple of hours when I found your blog. My brother’s daughter has been diagnosed with autism and they have no idea what to do and they are really scared now. I’ve just linked your blog to him, it seems that he couldn’t picture himself that he isn’t alone with that.
Thanks so much for sending them my way. The early days of a new diagnosis are tough. I hope I can be of some help to them.
We all what that for our children and I certainly try and foster it. Congrats on the HufPo article. Will definitely read.
Thanks so much Corey.
This reminds me of my sisters and how we are always holding someone up or picking someone up. I pray it will be that way with my four. That amidst the arguing is a strong thread of protection. Great post!
This is what I dream and wish for my boys.
The Huff Post! Wow. You are kind of a big deal. Neat that you could contribute to the Special Olympics series… I liked the circle analogy here today, too.
This is so lovely, Jessica, and the metaphor is a perfect one for siblinghood. xo
Oh such sweetness…
I love to see those moments of caring and support between my boys. It makes my heart happy. I hope they will always share that bond.
This this is what all mothers of more than one child hope for their children, that they always be connected and supportive.
I have big dreams of them always being close but they’ve hit the age where they fight over everything. Hoping this doesn’t last forever.