The first day of the rest of my life

For many years when C and M were young, the hardest part of parenting was listening to their near-constant bickering. (Good word, bicker. It's the word Mammy used when my sisters and I fought.) Gradually and through shared experiences, like suffering us as parents and watching The Family Guy, their relationship improved, and by the time they were both in middle school they didn't argue much at all. Now they've reached a new level: actually being supportive of each other. Last week C set up a Facebook fan page for M's photography--his idea, his implementation.

Research shows that one of the biggest indicators of happiness is your relationship with siblings; I feel my siblings are the best gift my parents ever gave me. I'm grateful that C and M are developing a solid friendship--one that I hope will bring them joy and comfort and, at the very least, company on the journey.