I grew up in a very tight knit family, we had each others backs, and because of that, the very first principle of conduct I was taught was loyalty. My bodys’ posture has always been in such a way that I’d always look like I was protecting my younger sisters, as the first born child. I didn’t mind, after all I  knew nothing outside of being loyal to those I was taught to protect. My hands would be out, so that I can feel them near me, and my neck and head up, so that I can see what they can’t and speak up for them when they can’t, it was my job.

In growing up, we literally did everything together, from schools, to songs, and finding the things we dislike, we’ve always been three peas in one pod. But the dynamics of our relationship morphed with growth, and the sibling rivalry sometimes gets extremely volatile,were I know for sure that we find ourselves looking at each other and think “who are you”. It is because of this reason that I’m dedicating this piece to my sisters, Dimpho and Mathabo Madia, from my heart. Heads up, it’s about to get sappy.

I have known no appreciation in my life, more than that I have for both of you. I remember a conversation I had, and the man said that a bond shared by siblings is one that is formed in the stars, and solidified then siblings finally meet. He said that the bond is as delicate as it is strong, and that only all siblings, when finally opening themselves up to loving each other, that the bond can come to a full bloom. When he told me all these things I thought we was telling stories about the stars and chemical bonds, but after pondering on his words, I realized that he was talking about the power of love,love in its purest form. I remember growing up, how our mother would scold us for fighting and say that at the end of the day, our sisterhood is all we have, no matter what, we have each others backs

I have met many different people, and some put me in a daze, a trance, so strong that I began to believe that they were to me what you were failing to be, but nature has remained resilient in reminding me the greatest lesson it instilled in me from birth, that loyalty by blood has bound us forever, and because of that, your love will always be true, your kindness sincere and your ability to have my back bulletproof. Life has taught me to appreciate you. The truth of the matter is,now my protector role is moving away from me,  and at first, I had no idea how to deal with it, I mean, the thing I’d known all my life, was no longer necessary, and I found it difficult to define myself in our dynamic,until I realized that I had done all protecting I could for one lifetime, in the way you now protect me, and I understand now that we are flowing solely on the wave of sisterhood, and I love it.

So I want to write in electronic ink on the pages of the all engulfing and infinitely showcasing internet, that years later, when words fail me or  you just get tired of my lip, and its forever yapping nature, know that I appreciate you my dearest, I thank God for allowing you two to be my bestest friends, my confidence, my spy buddies, my couch potato mates,my odd midnight conversation enthusiasts, my dream catchers, my realest cheerleaders, my truest love, my sisters.

Article By Moshibudi Thatego Madia

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