Sibling love

Commentary

Siblings are a great experience, from within the family, of learning to respect our differences and what we have in common. Being siblings means learning to avoid discrimination and privileges, for, as children of the same parents, they are all equal. No one is more of a son or a brother than the other, but each has his own personality and talents. This is a miracle for human maturity, which will help us live the value of fraternity – freedom that stems from being equals – in our condition of citizens in an advanced democratic society.

The learning of fraternity is arduous but indispensable for maturing. Living for so many years with four siblings has not been easy – differences in our personalities and interests, tidiness and untidiness in the same room, noise and silence in the same house, fights, arguments, games, crying, and laughter.

Nevertheless, it is something I would not change. I would not replace or eliminate any of my siblings from my life because I cannot imagine it without any of them. Today we can look back on our arguments and laugh, maybe we still fight a little, but we know that we love each other despite everything and have to apply much mercy to continue to forgive each other.

We have supported each other through tough times, which have tested our sibling love. We honor our parents by striving to get along like siblings. By being attentive and willing, with realism and sincerity, to help each other during our times of need and hardship. We know that deep displeasure for parents is to witness discord among their children. The love we have for our parents helps us be good brothers and sisters.