Opinion: Nora was an only child. Being an old child suited her just fine. Even on Christmas morning, she was entirely satisfied with the arrangements. The two-to-one ratio made perfect sense to her.

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Nora Filgiano never wanted a sibling.

Nora was an only child. Being an old child suited her just fine. Even on Christmas morning, she was entirely satisfied with the arrangements. The two-to-one ratio made perfect sense to her.

Nora’s mother was a paediatric nurse at the old Childrens’ Hospital at 57th and Cambie. Nora remembers her as a “fabulous mom” who would work Christmas morning so that the young nurses could have the morning with their families. Nora and her father would quietly pass the day waiting for her return. Life was orderly and pleasant.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

All of Nora’s friends had brothers and sisters. Noisy, truck loads of ‘em. According to Statistics Canada, the most prevalent household size in Canada up until 1976 was five people. Nora’s situation as the marquee player at the Filgiano household provoked playground scrutiny. She remembers having to respond to a steady stream of bafflement throughout elementary school: “Why don’t you have any brothers or sisters?” It was a rarity — there had to be some justification for being an only child. Nora could do little but shrug. It’s not that Nora’s parents planned on having just one child, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbled. Despite the ongoing inquisition, “I never wanted for a sibling”, recalls Nora.

The stigma attached to single children is that they cannot help but be spoiled. Even as a little girl, Nora was well aware of this. She remembers making a conscious effort to not be spoiled. It was one thing to have to answer the persistent question about being an only child, but she wouldn’t allow them to also sit in judgement of her conduct.

What she didn’t lack for was cousins. Both her mom and dad were one of nine kids. Each of those kids had children, and Nora estimates that she has over 50 cousins, here and in Ireland.

A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network........

© Vancouver Sun