Once upon a time, there was a young princess. She was adorable, though mostly bald, and loved all creatures, especially her trusted dog, Bucket, who faithfully returned her love.
She spent the first six years of her life as the center of the known universe. On one side of her family, she was the sole grandchild and great-grandchild, so she received an extra helping of doting from Nana, grandpa, great-nanas, and great aunts and uncles. Though some children may have felt such pressure too much to endure, the princess somehow managed to thrive as the one, true ruler of all she surveyed.
She loved all things Disney, and quickly memorized and often performed her favorite songs and scenes from movies (in full costume) for all her loyal subjects to enjoy. If she so decreed, you might be lucky enough to sing along with her. However, if you sang the words wrong or off key (Nana), you were told in no uncertain terms from the princess to cease and desist. “You are OUT OF THE CLUB!” she would declare, indicating, with no subtly, the end of your vocal participation, rescinding your expected duties to mere rapt attention and adoration.
Just after her 6th birthday, the princess’ world was rocked with the arrival of a sister. While this new play-thing was at first a fun diversion, it soon became apparent that the princess would be required to share her limelight with this intruder. Worse, she was expected to “help out” and “be a role model” of good behavior to said sibling. Again, while initially interesting, these new assignments grew to become onerous. When she was seven, the princess pulled her father aside and confessed, “I’m not sure I want to be a big sister. I have to be nice to her and set a good example ALL THE TIME. It’s a lot to think about and it’s not fair.”
Her father, kind and wise, said to the princess, “You’re right, it is not fair. But fair or not, you will always be the big sister. And your sister will always look to you as a model for behavior. Whether that is a model of good behavior that she will look up to and respect (loving you and wanting to be just like you), or bad behavior that she will despise and reject (hating you and wanting to be nothing like you), is entirely up to you.”
The princess cried. Of all the burdens of ruling the known universe, this surely was the one with the greatest weight, yet, also the greatest potential; her character would play out as hero or villain all based upon her own decisions and actions from here on in.
The princess rose to the challenge and became the best big sister the world has ever known. She taught her sister everything she knew about singing, acting, and dancing (for a modest, family-friendly fee), included her in games and shows, served as the best role model in academics, friendships, and fun, and was her sister’s greatest fan as her sibling grew in her own fields of performance and art.
Those character traits associated with being a positive role model, leading others by good example, crept into all aspects of the princess’ life. She would inspire and support others that she met and worked and lived with, always with a positive, helpful attitude. And, when appropriate, for a modest, family-friendly fee.
And she lived happily, lovingly, ever-after.
