Week 27: Strength of My Sister

Week 27: Strength of My Sister was taken waay back on November 7th on a chilly breezy day. The sun made a rapid exit out of the sky and left us in a brisk walk to our cars. I walked beside my Butterfly sister after she was pinned as an LPN.

Just this past week she sat for her boards. She passed. I got the news Saturday after work in a voice mail. Hearing that little message brought on the waterworks for me. We have struggled through school together for two years now...and the relief of success was overwhelming.

As I surveyed my entire life I realized I am surrounded by the Strength of My Sisters and I am amazed at us all. Butterfly, I am so proud of you and so happy to see you finding your heart in nursing...and that facet of your life barely scratches the surface...an amazing mom, a constant friend, a devoted daughter...words fail me. You are beautiful, even in the common moment of us walking to our cars and shivering beside them as we exchanged parting words.

Equally amazing is my Dista Sister. I know it's been a pretty long rough patch for you. Still, I know you have a great future ahead. Remember to dream, Dista. You're my sister and I love you forever...no matter what.

In recent days I've been amazed by the strength of my sister, Maple. You have two of the most beautiful children I have ever seen. I see how God has gifted you to be the mother you are. Even while doing Pilates and having an overly exuberant 2 year-old launch himself onto your torso you stayed calm...I love seeing you in awe of your daughter and the gift she is to you. Your family is so sweet and I am so glad to be spending this week with you.

I just recently listed a bunch of my sisters when I graduated in December, but I feel the need to brag on some of my sisters again...

Mom. I love sitting at the table with you drinking tea or coffee and talking. You always have something to offer, something to share. Sometimes it's words of encouragement. Sometimes it's a prayer. Sometimes it's an extra friend or two. Thanks for knowing when to bring out the nice plates and glasses. You make sharing life beautiful.

Dawn. I'm always learning something from you. You have such a big heart and love for me and I am blessed to call you my sister/friend/Naomi. And thank you for my fabric art gift. I love the story of metamorphosis and the concept of beauty from ashes. Your design stirs that in me.

Cassie/Wahkuna. How you work the hours you do never ceases to amaze me. I am in awe of your compassion and dedication to your work and to sick kids...no matter where they might be. ...Romania...California...Washington...New Zealand... On top of all that you find time to pep talk me regularly. I am excited to see what happens for you in the next year.

H May. Thanks for the phone calls (and even the texts)...I'm so blessed to have you in my life. I love that we keep the island spirit alive and that you never seem to mind if I'm running on Fiji time or bringing extra people over. I love you.

Bernadette. I'm so glad we caught up for a bit before I hit the road again. You are such a good friend. Thanks for finding time to talk...even while preparing for out-of-town family and dealing with a week of solo parenting. You're awesome!

Sweet Georgia Peach. You unplugged. You're taking stock of life and what you really want it to mean. And your photo work still continues to inspire me. Amazing wife. Amazing mom. Amazing friend.

Cory. You are so thoughtful and fun. Thanks for our girl's day last week. I needed some Cory time. Sharing SweetTarts and running errands that ended up turning into dinner was much better than going it alone.

Sarah KR. The girl who went back to school and moved in the same week...all while parenting a one-year old and developing your martial art skills. Sheesh. Are you tired yet? Such determination.

Kitten. You did it! You have that crazy certification that you've been trying for. I'm so proud of you for not giving up.

Annie. Girl, I don't know how you pull stuff off like you do, but you do. Traveling from HI to NC and back with a 10 month-old is a feat in and of itself. I love you and your Hobcaw ways. And I love that you always want to plan my life for me. Even if I protest, I still love it.

Dawne Morning Glory. You beat cancer. You kept a positive attitude and stayed active in life. Forever ingrained in my mind is you mowing your lawn and doing all kinds of yard work. And what a beautiful yard it is. I love coffee with you there.

Amber. You did what needed doing. However heartbreaking it's been, you're moving on and I look forward to seeing what is on the horizon.

Schmee. I love your honesty. I love your bravery. I love that you keep going back to Honduras because it's in your heart...even if it isn't always easy. I love that you march to the beat of your own djembe.

Tiff. You're a better mom and wife and friend than you think. I marvel at you often.

Melissa L. A few emails exchanged and a cup of tea in your red dining room is all it took for us to be joined in spirit. Amazing how that can happen. Thank you for finding time for me in the midst of a crazy schedule and preparation for international travel. I'm looking forward to connecting again in the near future.

Manda. A new job is coming. A job you love. I'm proud of you for putting yourself out there and being persistent. I know that's not always easy for you.

Rennie. You've seen loss. Yet you still want to give. I love that about you.

I've got bunches and heaps more sisters that I admire for different reasons. I love each of you. I'm proud of each of you. I'm blessed to call each of you my sister, my friend, my brilliant lovely.