For my sister

My sister and I live many miles apart and have for years. We're also a few years apart in age, so while we spent time together as kids we didn't necessarily have the same interests. I can remember pestering her to play with me as a young child when all she wanted to do was read. Despite the age difference and geographical challenges, we have remained close. I'm so fortunate to have a big sister to lean on when times are tough and to share life's joys with. Today's post is dedicated to my sister.

There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.  ~Mary Montagu  

I have many fond memories of childhood with my sister, but the moments I treasure the most happened more recently. Maybe it's being out from under the expectations of parents, being in a position to be ourselves rather than the selves that fit the roles we were assigned. There's no need to be anything in particular. We can be boring together. We can be silly together. We can be the worst and the best of ourselves together. No matter what transpires, our bond grows stronger with time.

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.  ~Amy Li

I remember one night the two of us were getting ready to go out, side by side in front of a mirror. One of us said something to evoke a feeling of disgust and we both made the same sour face in the mirror. It shocked us, but why should it have? We may have been more shocked at how like our mother we both looked than how like each other. To me, it's an example of how very linked we are in our thoughts and feelings. There are things that we share that can't be found in any other relationship. Things that go beyond words and shared experiences.

Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply...  ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814

I am grateful every day for my sister. No matter how much time goes by between phone calls and visits, she is always with me, guiding me and supporting me in everything that I do. Love you, B.

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister.  ~Alice Walker

Source - Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_%281825-1905%29_-_Two_Sisters_%281901%29.jpg