The Wang Sisters

Sisters are a beautiful thing. I really like mine but this pair comes pretty close too. Growing up with a mom who has four sisters of her own, I’ve always felt like my cousins were more like my siblings and definitely like my best friends. Especially my girl cousins as we are all fairly close in age. We invest deeply in our relationships with each other; we travel, we squabble, we have each others’ back forever and always.

Over the years, our relationships have matured. Instead of playing tag in someone’s backyard, we go out to parties together. Instead of all 9 of us squeezing into the back of one four-door sedan, we now all drive. Instead of growing up, we are growing old wiser and wiser. In one way or another we’ve all changed. But the love remains.

Two of my cousins, the Wang sisters, recently celebrated their birthdays. Even though they are oceans away, in Asia, I wanted to share my best wishes as they go into another fabulous, glamorous, healthy and happy year.

YUEN

The closest to me in age, Yuen was pretty much my twin growing up. We were very similar in face shape, height, size, smiles.

Then, she blossomed into this goddess! Needless to say, we don’t get called twins anymore. My glamorous cuz is currently establishing herself quite well in the HK scene as a model. Don’t let that sweet smile fool you, she is ultra-fierce on the catwalk!

If I were able to get her anything in the world for her birthday, it would be an extra stomach. The girl is an absolute “xiao chan mao!” (Chinese nickname for someone who is constantly craving/eating/looking for things to eat even when they’re not hungry.) Sadly, her occupation requires her to watch what she eats. It doesn’t stop her from snacking on that third chocolate chip cookies but still…an extra stomach would prevent her from feeling guilty while doing it.

CIE JIE

I learned at an early age the marvelous power of a good story from Cie Jie here. The vivid descriptions, the suspenseful buildup, killer ending, our bedtime stories had “Goodnight, Moon” beat times 100. My cousin has the ability to describe any situation and make it sound ten times better. She uses her entire body to get in on the story, twisting, contorting, animating. Suffice to say, she always had the room in a daze at any party or gathering. She is truly a born entertainer.

Always leading an adventurous life and being the oldest of the cousin clan, she was our bold leader. She’s also kind of Superwoman, able to get anything and everything done her way, all the time, anytime.I remember once, she got us, a ragtag team of 4-16 year olds, to perform a talent show for our parents in her basement. There was an acapella group, a romantic duet, a fashion show, a skit, everything.  It was a smashing success.

And being the benevolent soul that she is, she always took care of her family. I’ve been the lucky recipient of her love and have received so much over the years, from housing to food, travel to clothes, entertainment to life advice, I don’t think I will ever be able to repay her back for all that she’s done for and given me but I will sure try!

If I could give Cie Jie something for her birthday, it would be a persian rug to replace the one that I clumsily spilled red wine all over a couple of years ago. Just kidding. I mean, I will get her that and then some but I think the one thing I would really get her would be a good back. After having two babies, (can you believe it?!) my poor cousin is in pain day in and day out. (Not that you can tell from that beautiful smile.) And with a beautiful family (that’s her with her eldest, the precocious Jasmine), a fabulous itty bitty figure, the envious ability to eat whatever she wants, the sweet job of being a celebrity homemaker, there really is not much else I can get her that the woman doesn’t already have or can get herself. Sigh, in reality, I hope this blog post will have to do for now.

Right now, my cousins and sister are in Beijing celebrating Cie Jie’s birthday. I know they can’t possibly be having as much fun without me there but they’ll just have to make do.

(Can you just sense the sarcasm and jealousy oozing out of me?)

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

posted by Janice | Comment: 4 | Inspirations, Love, Personal

If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it!