Madi is a Junior at Charlotte High School. Plans to attend Western Michigan University to major in Psychology. Here she is with her speech on her beliefs about family.
Madi’s “This I Believe” podcast
Sisters
From the time I awake, my alarm sounding at 5:30 a.m., to the time I drag myself back to bed after my long day at school and after making sure everyone’s had a glass of water and been tucked in with a kiss on the forehead, I lay down, hoping to get in a couple of hours of sleep before the entire routine starts over again.
I live in a family of five children; and not just any five children, FIVE GIRLS. Yep, that’s correct. Five girls. I am the oldest and am seventeen years old. I find that by being the oldest, it is my responsibility to help my mom out as much as I can, and that means helping take care of my four younger sisters. I have two sisters who are fourteen and two sisters who are ten. All of whom are nothing short of a handful. Sometimes it seems very stressful and hard being the “Big Sister” all the time, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because I believe in being the best big sister I possibly can.
Sometimes, it seems so overwhelming; always painting someone’s toe nails, or doing someone’s hair, or giving advice on how to get a cute boy at school to notice them, or even just as simple as being someone to vent to. Quite often, people forget how to use their listening skills and sometimes, that’s all a person needs, just someone to listen to them. My sisters know they can come to me with anything, and I mean ANYTHING and most of the time, they do. They completely trust me with everything and sometimes it seems very hard, but no matter how challenging it gets, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because I believe in being the best big sister I possibly can.
My sister Alli and I have the best relationship out of all of my sisters. She is fourteen and I can proudly say she is turning into a beautiful young woman, inside and out, hopefully with a little bit of help from me. We share a room and needless to say, she’s my best friend. We are constantly wearing each other’s clothes and doing each other’s hair and wrestling around together on the floor. She talks to me about everything and I love that she has complete trust in me. I try my hardest to be a good role model to my sisters, Alli especially, because I’m closer to her than I am to any body else in the world. Sometimes, she gets on my nerves and I’m sure I do just the same with her, but we’re sisters, and best friends, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because I believe in being the best big sister I possibly can.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the love and support my sisters and I share. A bond between sisters is unlike any other feeling in the world. I wish I could explain the feeling, but it is just so magical that words cannot describe it. I try my hardest to keep my relationship with each and every one of my sisters as strong as can be, because I want us to be just how we are now, fifty year from now. I believe we can accomplish it, because I believe in being the best big sister, not just for now, but for as long as I possibly can.
March 28th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Madi,
Even though I interviewed, the emotions that you express in your voice and words showed me more of who you are and why than you showed in a short interview. Great job and courage to talk so honestly about sisters. They are great and annoying but worth every second of your caring. They will never forget how much you loved and took care of them growing up. What a bond! Again…great job.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Hi Madi,
I was touched and inspired by your piece about your relationships with your sisters.
I can only imagine how much your mother appreciates your wonderful help and influence on her four younger children. You seem wise beyond your years, Madi.
Your speech painted a beautiful picture of the love and care you extend to your sisters. Alli and your other sisters are so lucky to have you in thier lives.
March 28th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Madi,
You make having a sister, or sisters, sound like a true gift. Thanks for sharing.
March 28th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Maddie,
I thought your essay was very sweet. It made me think of my sister.
Your voice really comes through… it sounds like you. I also like the repetition of the “I believe in being…” at the end of each paragraph. Well done.
March 29th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
When I read this I was “wowed.” I thought of my sister and how we just fight all the time. You and Alli are only 3 years apart as are my sister and I. And because of that I want to know why we have such a horrible relationship, and just reading about yours make me realize how important it is to be the best big sister I can for mine.
March 31st, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Madi,
I am so proud of you and you make me cry. You have turned into a beautiful young woman both inside and out. You will not understand until you have grandchildren of your own, but then you will be able to look back and say “now I understand Grandpa”. I Love You Sunshine!!!!!!