National Siblings Day is a celebration born of love and grief
Every April 10 for several years now, many social media feeds are transformed into a virtual family album of sorts
s friends and acquaintances post photos to mark National Siblings Day.
But unlike many of the unofficial holidays that clutter the calendar year — from Talk Like a Pirate Day to National French Fry Day
As NPR's Science Desk explores the science of siblings, we decided to reach out to Claudia Evart, the woman who conceived the holiday
Tragically, both of Evart's siblings died at young ages in separate accidents.
Her sister, Lisette, was just 19 when she was killed in a car accident, alongside their father.
In 1995, a decade after Alan's death, Evart says she was celebrating her own birthday in late March when she was struck by an overpowering sense of sadness and loneliness.
I came to the realization that I would never again celebrate my birthday with my beloved siblings.
Evart says she'd like to see people mark the day by taking the time to cherish their siblings.
As for those photos and heartfelt messages that will likely flood social media again this year? "It's the greatest thing," she says.