by Sara Meurer

When I first started thinking about writing this column, I intended to write it about how much I wish I had a sister. But when I actually sat down to write it, I realized I was wrong. Yes, I am an only child. No, I don’t get lonely all the time. Being an only child really isn’t that bad. Despite the hundreds of times I have said “I would kill to have a sister,” I really don’t think I would like having to drive around a mini-me.

I put a lot of thought into this. I’ve always told my friends that if I had a sister, she would by my best friend. And it’s very possible that could have been the case. However, after thinking about it for awhile, I realized how much I actually like being an only child. When I tell someone I’m an only child, the typical response is, “You’re an only child? REALLY? Don’t you hate that?” The answer is no. In fact, I actually like having the house to myself sometimes. I like driving to school by myself. I like not having anyone else in the car to change the radio station from my favorite music. The more I think about it, I would much rather be an only child.

However, the more I think about it, I really don’t think I’m an “only” child. A lot of people are familiar with my little white dog, Zach. And if you know Zach, you know how friendly and awesome (and sometimes psycho) he is. He also happens to be the cutest dog on the planet (sorry Natalie Fitts). He’s about the closest thing I have to a sibling, and I’m perfectly fine with that. If he were a human, he’d be the perfect brother. He gets excited to see me when I come home from school, and he’s more than willing to hang out with me whenever I want, but he doesn’t ask to borrow my clothes or bother me like a sister would. He’s been the perfect companion since first grade.

So technically, I guess I’m an only child. But actually, I’m convinced I have a sibling. Zach may not ride around in the car with me or ask to borrow my clothes, but he’s as close to a sibling as I’m going to get. And if you haven’t been lucky enough to meet him yet, that’s unfortunate for you, because he’s a real gem.