I Dishonor ‘The Checklist’ with One I Wrote Myself

I grew up in a large family and on the bottom end of the totem pole. I was the fourth of five children, with three older sisters and a younger brother. Looking back, I expected certain things from my sisters: to take care of me, to watch out for me, to teach me how to do my hair, and of course explain to me what the heck a period was and how to survive it. Normal stuff. But today I am thirty-four and despite my age and accomplishments, nothing will ever advance me further in their eyes than being their little sister.