The Time I Bit My Sister's Head

My sister and I are almost exactly 11 years apart, so while growing up we were in completely different age groups. This meant no bickering over toys, boys or anything in between. In addition to this, we didn’t live together for many years, and when I moved to China at 9, I only saw her rarely. So, one would think there was no reason to argue growing up.

I, for one, have very little recollection of ever fighting with my sister as a young child. Unfortunately, she has the proof of wars fought. She’s kept all of my hate mail and apology letters over the years. Of course, seeing the letters have worked as a sort of reminder, allowing old memories to come rushing back.

There are some pretty funny letters. For example, one of the letters I once wrote to her was “sealed with a booger” (as opposed to with a kiss), which I believed to be a stroke of genius. The funniest letter, though, is the one I wrote after I bit my sister’s head. I’m not really sure on the details, but the gist is that my sister said something I deemed to be “mean.” So, of course, I chose to retaliate.

As a kid I was a biter. Biting was my go-to move in a fight. But I wasn’t the conventional bite somebody’s arm type. I mean if that’s all I could get to then fine, but I more preferred unconventional biting. I remember carefully calculating what would be the most effective way to bite her head. I decided that a basic “hit her skull with my teeth and bite down on her scalp” would do the trick.

Obviously I was punished, and told to write an apology note. I didn’t remember the apology note until I read it last year. The note read, word for word, “Sorry for biting your head. But now you know to be careful what you say to me. I love you. Love, Jeanie.” I signed it and everything. 

Real sweet kid I was. “Sorry I got in trouble but I’m not sorry I did it.” The funny part though is that I usually was a sweet kid.  I was quiet and shy and I usually did what my mom told me. I guess I just had an evil side.