My little sister
On a completely different note: After a recent interaction I had a realization that brought some comfort. I have mourned the children I cannot have and the situation that prevents adoption. I should instead revel in the experience I have already enjoyed in helping raise a child. She was not my child, I did not pay her bills and I was too young to handle diaper changes (that part I'm happy for). I made her formula and held her bottle, washed her clothes and told bedtime stories. I'm the one she usually woke when sick, scared or thirsty for a bedtime glass of water. I walked her home from the bus and made her afternoon snack and often dinner as well. I resented it at the time. Probably always will in some little ways. But I am proud to have had a hand in raising such a wonderful young woman.