"It was the best of times....it was the worst of times", Charles Dickens opens his novel,The Tale of Two Cities. Dickens journeys through the comparisons of Paris and London in the days before the Revolutionary War. It is easy to see the similarities between the Dickens classic, and a story we have watched live the past 14 years. Enjoy an excerpt from a chapter...
One sister has a memory of a short lived life as an only child. The other sister was just an innocent bystander in the whole process. The two are just thirteen short months apart in age. Their young lives we claim that we survived. Some nights and days sure felt like that of the cast of Survivor. We were thrown into the unknown island of parenthood and quickly found ourselves parenting two with the little resources and knowledge that we had available. Those first few years it was also more than just surviving. We made memories, we laughed and we loved. These two sisters were best buddies. We were on the move for the first five years of their lives so they learned to play together.
Fast forward a few years, school begins and activities start, and the great divide forms a crack. The sisters find new interest and activities. One sister wants to separate and move in new directions. The other sister wants to be just like her sister. Several years pass and it seems the Howell-utionary War had been in full swing.
Skip a few detailed chapters of small skirmishes and little blood loss, you will find yourself at the present day chapter of Howell-lutionary War. Summer of 2010 arrived, and the Howell sisters had completed spring class registration. The kind and thoughtful Mother, who was loved by all, (I am writing this chapter so I can embellish however I so choose) begin to taunt and tease the two rivals that they would enjoy two classes together. They both were registered to take chorus and p.e. and what fun we had laughing that they might "build a bridge" and be bff's for classes this year.
It is time for Fall Orientation and the reconciliation process begins. The two sisters are thrown into chorus and p.e. together. The sisters cry out in agony in the beginning, but over a few short weeks the laughter is heard yet again. Story after story of "Sisters....sisters....sisters" (sounds heard in day one of chorus...taunts of the guys who know them and are determined to keep the war going) bring much joy to the parents who remember the early days of a great friendship.
Tales of ultimate Frisbee and the sister domination team. The teacher soon realized that the two must remain divided because together they are a great threat. The stories each night at dinner about a school day center around the conquest of Sister #1 over Sister #2. Each recollection of the days events are different from the story teller, but the laughter of other family members grows. In fact, the family awaits the next installment in the "tale".
The greatest story thus far has come over a friendly game of football. Did I mention a great competition has in sued over the past 14 years? Another important fact is that Sister #2 understands little (I mean nothing) of the game. Sister #1 takes full advantage and waits for the perfect pass to head towards Sister #2. She swiftly races in between the ball and Sister #2. The interception is made and a jog to the end zone guarantees her team another day of winning in 2nd period p.e. I have never laughed so hard when hearing the recap of the day. The two sisters are truly great story tellers especially at the expense of the other1
It is so nice to see the Howell-utionary War coming to a close (I hope). The Tale of Two Sisters continues, but maybe at least we are heading to a season of peace! (Until time to get ready of school in one small bedroom and bathroom)
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| Sisters - Homecoming Week 2010 |
Note: Pictures to come!
