Unlocking the door and growing up

My mom, my sister and I unintentionally coordinated for my sister's baby shower in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday.

We all had our roles to play. I was stereotypical first-born who was bossy and wanted them to abide by my rules. Kevin was the typical middle child, a boy sandwiched between two vocal girls. Cassie was the baby who had held her ground well.

We were three in 4 1/2 years. They were athletic and I was good in school. They were rebellious and I was {mostly} a people pleaser who got frustrated with their different-than-me ways.

So one day I locked them out of my room. I installed a new door knob with a lock on the outside and I was the only one with a key. Seriously. {Hanging my head in shame ...} Yes, I may have been the meanest, most judgmental one of us all.

Seriously, I locked my siblings out of my room and, really, out of my life for that season. 

I'm glad I grew up. I'll always be almost three years older than Kevin and more than four years older than Cassie. But I've let go some and realized I'm not in charge. I've certainly realized they aren't just like me and there are plenty of opportunities for me to learn from them.

I can't remember how long I banished them from my room. But now that we're in our 30s, I do know I like being grown-up siblings. I like lingering in restaurants while the kids get restless because we have more stories to share and jokes to tell. I like celebrating and remembering and making new memories when our individual families come together. I like watching our kids befriend each other.

I like that we like each other. 

My little sister turned 30 on Saturday. And I got to see her on her actual birthday, which hasn't happened in a long time. The same day we celebrated the baby boy she's expecting in about five weeks. While I listened to the grown-up version of my little sister talk and laugh during another too-short visit, I wished I hadn't locked that door between us when we were kids. But the key is gone now and thankfully we're better versions of our childhood selves. 
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I'm linking this up with Jen Ferguson's Soli Deo Gloria party, where hearts are opened and grace is given. I'm also joining Crystal Stine's Behind the Scenes because there's more happening in that picture of my mom, my sister and I than our unintentional coordinating clothing. 

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