My sister's name is Jennifer and there is a 7-year age gap between us, so she’s in her early 30s and I'm in my mid 20s.
It might not seem like 7 years difference is a lot, but it was for us and still is in some ways. I think it was hard for us to have a bond when we were both growing up because we were both at different stages of life. I think for both of us sometimes it felt like even though we had each other, we felt like an only child.
Because we were years apart, when we were younger we didn’t really play with each other, or go to the park with each other, or just do what sisters do together who are closer in age. She seemed so far ahead of me - for example when she got married and moved out of home, I was only 17. She seemed so grown up!
However there has also been some benefits for me about having a sister that is 7 years older. I feel like Jennifer helped me growing up because I could look at her and I always knew what the next step was in life. Also it’s a little bit like having another mum around as well! If she doesn't like what I am doing or thinks I’m doing something wrong, she will always will tell me and talk to me about it.
We are very different. Jennifer is more serious and shy than I am. She has said to me many times that she couldn't talk to a big group of people like I have done in the past when I’ve talked about learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. to companies and employers.
She has two children, so I have a niece and nephew who I love spending time with. We mostly do child-friendly activities like swimming or soft play or going to the park. I love being an auntie and having fun with them both spending time with them both. I have great memories of dancing with my niece and letting her put a bit of makeup on! And with my nephew I enjoy reading to him and building things with him like houses.
There are so many moments in my sisters’ life that I’m proud of - she got a mortgage when she was 24 and she learnt how to drive a car on the first try. She made her house bigger and re-painted it.
I think one of the things she is proud of me is that I've been on TV talking about employment, as well as my book that I’ve finished recently all about learning disability. It will be out in October and you'll be able to order it on Amazon!