I have always been an only child; despite wishing on stars for a sibling and pleading for years to my parents for a brother or sister. I continued to beg and plead my only-child-woes up until I was 18 years old! I honestly didn't give up until I had children of my own! Well, today my sister in law uttered a phrase I have never heard in my entire 41 years.
I was feeling overwhelmed with my mom's care, party plans for the big luau, and just trying to juggle motherhood and my new role as caregiver. In the midst of personal chaos, I asked my sister in law Cindy for help with all the numerous details required to throw the "Celebration of Life Luau" for my mom. I so want it to be everything she desires, but was feeling lost trying to plan it all from 900 miles away.
Cindy graciously accepted this BIG job, (with the awesome assistance of my mom's friends' Annette, Sherry, and Beverly...thank you ALL!) What just brought me to tears was when I thanked Cindy for all her help and time. I couldn't think of what I could possibley do to repay her for such a big undertaking, and she said to me, "You don't have to Denise, this is what 'sisters' are for!"
She told me when my dad died to think of her like a sister. She told me to lean on her like a sister on Christmas Eve at my mom's diagnosis. I always appreciated this offering, but perhaps never took this gift to heart. Today, in my moment of weakness needing a huge helping hand, Cindy told me again to think of her like a sister, and for the first time...I did.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
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4 comments:
Denise,
I can't begin to tell you what this means to me. Through all the years, you and Tom have been together I have always admired you and all the love you bring to the family and everybody you meet. I have wished I could be more like you and at the same time share some of my differences.
Sisters, can be very different and sometimes go a long time between conversations, but in the end you always know when you need somebody they are always there for you with no expectations and no thank you needed. It is just an inherent emotion that defies explanation.
It has been a long time coming, but I am so glad that you have truly embraced that we are "sisters" in the truest sense of the word.
Cindy
P.S. - One of our differences, I have still yet to give myself a nickname. You would have made sure that was done before you ever left a comment.
I however, continue writing thinking, "Details, details, she knows who I am." :)
Don't forget your friends are your sisters too! We may not be related by blood or marriage...but we are just as good! Hee Hee!
At work today, an older gentleman came up to me looking for a Birthday card for his male friend. I showed him the section of cards as to where to find a "male" Birthday Card. After picking out a card, he came to show me the one he chose. It said Happy Birthday "Brother". He said, he's not a real brother, but we are so close, he is just like one to me!
So, see you have MANY Brothers and Sisters out there Girlfriend.
LYLAS (Love You Like A Sister),
Laura
Hi Denise,
I can relate to your feelings of being an only child, becuase I am one.
I wish my sister in laws were as wonderful as Cindy.
I think of you often.
Love,
Georgia
I liked seeing "LYLAS" posted by your friend, Laura. Remember when we used to do that?
smiles & love,
Kim L.
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