When children grow up together, there’s a constant battle going on for attention, supremacy, and individuality. It was the same in the Miller household when our girls were young. However, I had hoped that when they grew up this would end: it didn’t.

Disappointment

Sometimes one’s life reveals a bitter truth:

In fact, when one is young it’s even worse,

Because the one who fights you, nail and tooth,

Like it or not, seems like a blesséd curse.

Insightful though you think that you may be,

No good can come from fighting with a friend:

Great friends accept idiosyncrasy,

Remaining by your side, world without end.

I speak from vast experience, my child,

Verified by those who’ve gone before us:

A sister is the best friend you’ll have known.

Let go of struggling, whether fierce or mild;

Remember, ev’ry time you make a fuss,

You disappoint me with each tantrum thrown.