I was so excited to have two girls. I dreamed about that sister bond, the built-in best friend. I have that with my own sister, and I couldn’t wait to watch my daughters grow up with that same connection.

Early on, though, I realized their relationship wasn’t going to look like mine. There were times I questioned whether there was much of a bond at all.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What I’ve had the privilege of watching is something incredibly special. A bond that couldn’t be rushed or forced. One that had to grow slowly, on its own timeline.

This summer, I’ve watched a little sister become so much more than just a sibling. She’s become her big sister’s protector, her teacher, her helper…her person.

It’s not the relationship I imagined years ago. It’s something entirely their own. And somehow, it’s even more beautiful than I ever expected.

As their mom, I feel incredibly lucky to simply sit back and witness it unfold. Some of life’s greatest gifts don’t arrive the way we picture them…they become something even better.