Recently I went to a family reunion with a remarkably high percentage of siblings and cousins. There was always someone interesting to sit with, and more chats than could be shoe horned into the twelve hours we overlapped. 

 

I table hopped, catching up with college students and nieces with fascinating jobs. It was delightful to listen and laugh, and it was also satisfying just to watch. One of the bright realizations I felt warmed by was a pair of brothers. I can recall without straining too much the comments of their father a few years ago who wrinkled his forehead with worry.

 

"They fight so much we can barely drive to church."

 

I sat with the brothers at lunch and heard that they are now very congenial roommates. They smiled at each other across the table and described themselves as best friends. I heard mutual respect in their voices.

 

What happened?

 

Now there are sibling relationships that end. Tragic, but true. Boundaries can and must be drawn. But sometimes two people can grow through their differences, and come out with a distilled love.

 

But you have to stay in the game long enough for the transformation.