Sunday, August 31, 2008

Sisters

My sisters and I got to share some moments together recently.
Sisters are the best thing EVER.
Three of us peed our pants multiple times from laughing so hard.
(I'll let you guess which ones did the peeing.
I have been told that not everyone wants to share their life story.)
The joys of the incompetent bladder: something only a sister can understand.
Luckily we were out on a jet ski & only had to jump in the water to clean up.

Here is an e-mail forward that I read yesterday. I found it strikingly true.

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter

'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'

'Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favours.

Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

AMEN to that!! i don't know what I would do without the amazing moms, sisters, and grandmas in my life!!

I'm sorry that we missed you, too! It's fun to see your pics from your trip out here. Hopefully we can go see Kristen soon and take a slight detour south!

Rita said...

I love this post -- and I could not agree more. I have no actual sisters, but I have so many amazing, wonderful women in my life -- my mom, aunts, cousins, girlfriends, my daughter -- we all need each other. There is nothing like it!

And I feel so fortunate to count YOU among those friends Alice!

Rita said...

By the way -- you and your sisters are just beautiful! Love the photo!

Mel said...

Thanks Alice I needed that! I'm off to call Sharolyn now! MEL

Devri said...

Bee u ti ful- that's what you are all, great post- great job again, and again,

and AGAIN!!

pS. I miss your lovely comments, and your funny sarcasmmmmm.

tiki_lady said...

I loved this and it brings fresh to mind of the sisters of Nie Nie. Stephanie Nielson and her family, sisters have rallied to help her. We need all sisters!

Ok, My three guesses of the sisters who peed are the you and the two on the left of the pic.

Unknown said...

My sister and I were not that close until we both became adults. So I totally agree with this. I cant imagine being without my sister or my 3 sister in laws.

Anonymous said...

So beautifully put. There are no other words to say. Other than I love my sisters. Grateful one still talks to me and that we are close.

ShEiLa said...

gotta love sisters.
i know all about them since i have six.
ToOdLeS,ShEiLA

Brittany said...

i don't know if i've ever left a comment, but i've stalked a time or two-- this post touched me because i was a young girl who always wanted a sister like nothing else! but never got one. four brothers later, and now a hub and son later, i have come to terms with my "sisterhood" with a couple of my cousins, my mom, and friends. soooo true...

Cookie said...

I've seen that email too. I am one of 5 girls. My sisters and I don't always get along, but we're always there for each other. And my younger sister is still my best friend! She lives in Detroit and I'm in Seattle but we talk on the phone a lot! Thank goodness for unlimited long distance :)

BTW, I found you through Just because :)