My Sister: My Best Friend

My sister got married when I was about 12 years old.  I balled like a baby.  As far as I was concerned, my sister was leaving me!  Don't get me wrong.  I loved my brother in law, but he didn't have to take my sister away!

Growing up I imitated her every move.  She was a secretary.  I wanted to be one.  She listened to Rick Springfield.  I still listen to him.  She wore high heel sandals.  I went in her closet and wore them too.  She played the piano.  I played the piano. 

Then I became a teenager.  Not my best years.  To say I was stubborn would be kind.  Did I hurt her?  Countless times, I am ashamed to say.  But, she never stopped loving me.  She just waited for me to come to my senses.  And, she waited a long time.

When I had my son, I hadn't finished high school and wasn't married.  Needless to say it wasn't the ideal situation.  She and her husband were ministers.  Did they judge me?  Nope.  Was she happy with the situation?  I am sure she would have liked it to be different.  Who wouldn't?   But, she supported me in any way she could.  In fact, she was waiting for me when I brought my son home from the hospital.

During the next few years I was headed down a path that could only lead to disaster.  I was self destructing.  But, she didn't scold me.  She didn't disown me.  She encouraged me to change things.  When I felt like I had past the point of no return and gave up, she didn't turn her back on me.  And believe me; it would have been less heartbreaking for her if she had.

A few years later, I told her I had met someone and was getting married.  She and my brother in law came in from Tennessee to meet my husband.  It was important to me that they approved.  I had been married previously and my family hadn't been a part of it.  I wanted this to be different.  They not only approved, they ended up marrying us.

When it came to the wedding I just wanted a little church.  No big deal.  Just as long as my family was there, I was happy.  My sister made the ceremony perfect for me.  I may not have thought I deserved a wedding with all the trimmings, but she made sure that was what I got.  She even surprised me with a song called "You Are A Masterpiece."  I had hurt my parents so many times over the years.  This song healed all wounds and discharged the guilt.  Necessary?  No.  But, it was just another way for my sister to tell me I was special.  Yes, I had screwed up.  But, I was still loved.

A few months before I had my daughter, she became ill.  We had planned on her coming to help out, but she was unable to.  But that didn't stop her from seeing her niece.  She flew in for Christmas and they cuddled together.  It is a moment I will never forget. 

I absolutely hate flying.  I get sick.  I have panic attacks.  Every time I get on a plane there is some sort of delay.  And of course, it is usually after I am on the plane.  Some have been hours.  But, seeing my sister is important to me.  So, I suck it up and try to be as patient as she has been with me.  After all, she is worth it.

A few years ago, I got sick.  It was a very bad situation.  I was a mess.  At times I wasn't myself.  I was hard to deal with.  But, that didn't stop her from helping.  She has always been by my side when I need her.   And, considering she hasn't been well for almost 12 years I would say that is quite a sister!  There have been times when she shouldn't have been with me because she wasn't well, but that has never stopped her.

Although my sister is ten years older than me, we have no problem relating to one another.  We like the same things and we think the same.  We have even picked the same furniture without knowing it.  She usually knows what I am thinking before I even open my mouth.  I never have to explain how I am feeling or justify myself with her, because she understands.

If I am hurt.  I call her.  If I am angry.  I call her.  If I am struggling with a decision.  I call her.  She only wants what is best for me and I trust her.  She has always been there for me and I tell her everything.  Even some things she didn't want to hear.  I don't think I could tell her anything that would surprise her.  She knows when something is wrong just by the sound of my voice.

Do I always do things the way she would?  No.  But that doesn't matter.  She loves me for me.  Even when I make mistakes.  Even if I speak before thinking.

I wish we lived closer so I could see her more often, but even the distance doesn't change our relationship.  We are more than sisters.  She is my best friend, the godmother of both of my children and no matter what happens in life I know that will never change.