Sisters

I have been thinking a lot about sisters, I have been keeping up with the NieNie dialogues through her sister's blog, cjane. I have often been jealous of the relationship these 4 women share. I have never experience that kind of love from a woman who shared my DNA and grew up in the same house. Yes, I have a sister but she is mentally ill and that sisterly relationship from the time I can remember was full humiliation, violence, manipulation, deception and the list goes on, I wish that this was an exaggeration and but it is not and to give you a glimpse of the relationship I have had with her, here is one story:
We were at her wedding reception to her 2nd husband, she had too much to drink and decided to make an announcement. She announced to everyone there how much she hated me and the reasons why, then smacked me up side the head with some object while I wasn't looking. I left.

Now that you are feeling pretty sorry for me, don't. Because I have been pondering lately how lucky I am because I have lots of Sisters, ones who don't share my DNA but have given me the relationship those sisters feel.

I have girlfriends who I have been friends with for over 25 years who affectionately my children call "Aunts." I have a friend who we met in college, whose children call me Aunt. I have a friend who I was acquainted with through neighbors then it turned into a lasting sister friend. All of these women know me inside and out, and not one ounce of DNA shared. These were the ones at my wedding, birth of my son, with me in the ups and downs of trying to conceive Katy as well as the joys and struggles of everyday life. I am so lucky to have them in my life and to have their love and friendships.

Now just when you were thinking how lucky I am, it gets better! I belong to a church that my membership includes belonging to the women's organization called, The Relief Society. At church we refer to each of as Sisters because we share one Heavenly Father. It hasn't mattered where I have lived they have always been here. They are women who will watch your children in a pinch, bring a meal when needed and offer friendship shared by faith. They were also there at my wedding, the birth of my son, the ups and downs of trying to conceive Katy as well as the joys and struggles of everyday life. There faces have been different but their hearts the same, full of love for our Savior and ready to serve the ones he loves.

I know what your thinking, now you are jealous of me! But wait I am not done. It was about 8 years ago that my brother brought home this beautiful girl for us to meet. They courted, were engaged and engaged then a year ago this week they were married! Giving me a Sister! No, no DNA but it is by marriage and I will take it. She is sweet, considerate, kind, loving and belongs to our family, my sister, my friend. I will share DNA with her children.

So, they say one shouldn't pity one self but I think it is okay. After all if I didn't spend that 30 minutes boohooing about the DNA sister life dealt me. I might not of been so reflective about all my sisters I do have. I truly am grateful for each and every one of them. And if you are one of them reading this, know how much I love you.