To My Sisters

I love you all.
I praise your successes, reprimand your failures
Like a parent
More times than not
I haven’t always been the best sister, but I have doted on the three of you
Under the impossible expectations of our family to always be perfect, extroverted, and always happy— I have failed utterly.
My introversion shouldn’t be something to overcome
But is something that is blessed
As part of me was rejected
I withdrew
I wished to lead as an example, but I knew I wasn’t perfect.
Love eluded
Heart laid bare
Depression overwhelmed me
Upbringing lacked a central figure
One wouldn’t parent
The other — Always gone
When he wasn’t— high expectations of things he never taught
It’s no wonder why we fought
Tina— I tried to warn you — your consequences will catch up to you
Even some of the good— marriage plus a baby on the way — will not overshadow your past
Take care of your finances
Stop overspending and borrowing
You haven’t put enough effort in and are ignoring your schooling
But your personality is infectious, so in many ways— you’ll do better than me
Tiffany— learn personal responsibility — past 30 no excuses allowed
Learn to drive
Clean up after yourself
Be your own person — no matter where the wind takes you
Chase your degree
You are smart enough for it
Stop playing games
Endless unnecessary tasks make nothing
Aleya— grown up under the same pressures as I, you took on too much
Allow yourself to be yourself
I envy some of the qualities I lack in you, but I know you’ll eventually succeed — Ms. mastery in Furniture Design
I wish I could help you more
You need to rest
I know you always do your best
With your high altruistic ideas
I wish you all the best because you are and you deserve it so
You’re all into your 30’s along with me
Now grow into who you’re meant to be.