This September morning, Virginie, 46, hits the road to defend her thesis on “The failure of girls in mathematics in CP class.” ». This is the final stage of the dense and studious year that this national education inspector experienced upon returning to her studies. Concentrated, she mentally goes over the points of her presentation when her phone rings. She looks at the screen: her younger sister is trying to contact her. She hesitates for a few seconds and then answers. “I told her I was going to my oral exam, but she quickly moved on and started complaining about our brother who never answers messages. This is a recurring theme between us. “We have already talked about it dozens of times.”, Virginia remembers. After long minutes of conversation, the oldest hangs up and continues on her way. At the end of the day, he simply posted briefly in the WhatsApp group he shared with his two sisters and brother that he defended his thesis and that everything went well.
Virginie is the eldest of four children and is used to her younger daughters (her brother rarely communicates by phone or text) calling her. “complain”. This time, like every other time, he responded. “I could have ignored the call, she says. But we had missed each other several times and I knew she wanted to empty her purse. With my sisters I receive their stories and their stories. This stance suits me, although I am sometimes criticized for not reacting quickly enough. » Thinking back, Virginie told herself that, that day, perhaps it would have been her who would have been “legitimate” ask for an attentive ear. But she didn’t do it.
He puts it bluntly, it feels a bit like “second mother” of his two sisters, 42 and 37 years old. “ I always took care of Margaux, the youngest, whom I picked up from school when she was 3 years old. With her I assumed a very maternal role and I loved it. » Margaux confirms: “I was a big fan of hers, she was perfection personified. When she looked at me, I felt super proud. » Thirty-four years later, the little adult confirms that her eldest occupies a special place among her siblings. “Virginie is calm, thoughtful and has very sound judgment. She doesn’t trust much, she is a strength and she maintains the collective structure. It’s true that she is always there for me, but that seems a little normal to me. Margaux continues with a laugh.. She is one step ahead in the analysis of life, in how to deal with our parents. Looking at it, I can glimpse what awaits me in the years to come. »
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