When we were growing up, our mother, a single parent of seven kids, always took on two jobs, so it fell to Nina, the oldest, to take care of us. Because of Nina, pop music was an 1part of our home, and growing up with the music of the 1960s was an added 2. One of her favorite 3during the 1960s was 96 Tears. I 4her turning up the radio and singing along when it was 5. I was 9 and she was 15.
I think music was 6to her because it kept her grounded and reminded her that she was stI'll a 7, even though she had so much responsibility. I remember the music always became the 8. We would wake up 9the morning show as we got ready for school, and then into the night. The 10was always on.
Nina wasn't much older than me, but she shouldered great 11while my mother worked. I didn't 12 much of it then, but years later, and especially now she is gone, I realize how much she must have 13because of caring for us. I don't ever remember her complaining, but 14remember the music and the sisterly friendship.
Recalling my childhood, I think things could have been 15for a house full of kids ranging in age from 3 to 15 years, but somehow, I remember it as a relative happy time, thanks to Nina's 16ability. Now, that song reminds me of my 17sister, as well as the sacrifices she made for me, and the 18childhood I experienced because of her. 19that song makes my eyes water, but sI'll a 20touches the corners of my mouth.
