Sisterhood

I had a very interesting conversation with a close friend of mine about the 'ideal' number of children and the gap between them earlier in the week. Based on a thorough empirical study (which in our case consists of citing examples from our own and other people’s experience – all very scientific indeed) we came to the conclusion that, no matter what the gap is, not all siblings will end up being friends. The jury is still out on the ideal number, although as a wise man once told me, the complexities of a family’s interactions increase exponentially with each new addition. Our final word on numbers was that it depends on a combination of providence, choice and circumstances.

My own experience so far has been that my daughters (18 and 14) have always enjoyed or at the least tolerated each other fairly well. There was a period a few years ago though where they irritated each other intensely. Thankfully that phase seems to be over, the teen and PMS effect notwithstanding, and I have noticed that they get along better the older they get. Annoyingly (resigned sigh), they are often siding with each other now and will take us to task if one perceives a ‘mistreatment’ of the other sibling.  

The special nature of their relationship was beautifully illustrated for me the other night when Marni asked me to check her hair, because something was itching and “would just not stop”. To emphasise the point she did her little signature ‘stomp-out-the-fire-toi-toi’ dance while furiously scratching. I duly checked her hair and discovered, to her horror and mine, some lice nesting very comfortably in the long tresses. She must have brought back more than just memories from the most recent camp…

Danae then announced that her head has also been itching. Knowing how often she spends time in her sister’s room, I checked, but swiftly concluded that hers was probably, not to mention fortunately (relieved sigh), due to a dry scalp.

The obvious treatment is a very fine comb and lice shampoo from the chemist, but that would only be available the next morning. Since her sister was obviously freaked out, Danae had a chat with the resident 24 hour pharmacist (Mr Google) and found a few home remedies. Combining a few of the recipes, we settled on a mixture of salt, vinegar, oil and water and Danae prepared the potion. She joined her sister in the bathroom and I was summarily dismissed. Soon shrieks, peals of hysterical laughter, followed by more shrieks were coming from the bathroom. And there I found them, Marni kneeling over the bath and Danae, having sprayed the ‘vinegary-shriek-inducing’ potion, patiently combing her hair and removing lots of stuff (do not dwell on this point!). Chatting amiably and seemingly having a good time.

Sisterhood. I suppose when it works, there is nothing to beat it!

(Contented sigh)

Goofy on occasion...

 

Having a good time...

 

Sisterhood!