Sisterly Love

With my Sisters, at the Base of the Acropolis!
With my Sisters, at the Base of the Acropolis! L to R, Cally, Mary, Me

There is no outsider anywhere who wouldn’t appreciate and even envy the tremendous advantage that sisters have if properly utilized, against all odds- Susan Ripps

Today is my sister’s birthday- Happy Birthday Mary! It’s also a perfect time for me to spend a few moments thinking about sisterhood.

If you have a sister, you will understand. You will know about the good times, the growing up times, the not so easy times and the special times.

The Oldest and (temporarily) the Tallest!
Me- The Oldest and (temporarily) the Tallest!

When we were growing up, we three were like jam (stuck together!) and we watched out for each other. We rode bikes, played Batman and Robin and jumped on our beds just like most other kids.

We fought and made up. We dished and kept quiet. We occasionally told on each other and then stuck our tongues out to rub it in good.

We sang in middle school chorus and took piano and guitar lessons. The church choir was our back bone and GOYA (the Greek Orthodox Youth Association) our teenage learning years. Greek school was mandatory but there’s not much we remember about that today.

Our mom was tough but Dad was even tougher. Three daughters must have been quite hellish for him at times; too much to worry about. But they did a fine job and I must say we are quite the talented bunch.

To this day, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t share with my sisters. Though I was encouraged to be their role model, they have seen me stumble, fall, get back up, fall again, hit the wall, succeed. They stuck with me through all of it, never making fun of me or thinking less of me. I guess I have shown them my imperfect side, my soft side, because the role model side would not have taught them as much.

We went out to dinner the other night just the three of us and our mom. We toasted our dinner and our time together. It’s been a great holiday and it’s about to get even greater with a shopping trip today and dinner out tonight including our fabulous partners.

So here’s to Mary- Happy Birthday!

Do you have a sister or someone who is like a sister to you?

It's nice to share. Thank you.

12 Replies to “Sisterly Love”

  1. I have 2 sisters and I am right in the middle. My older sister, Sherry, is the ‘black sheep’ of the family. Since there are just 3 years between Sherry and I, you would think that we would be closer, but we never were. Judy, on the other hand is my very best friend. We have a connection that is usually seen in twins, not sisters who are 5 1/2 years apart in age! We communicate without speaking and often know when the other is experiencing a stressful situation. Often it is just hearing the others voice that has a calming effect and restores focus. Both of my sisters are 1200 miles from me and I miss our daily talks and visits. Sherry and Judy both live in the Pittsburgh area, but rarely speak. You see Sherry is a recovering addict and Judy has a hard time with that. Sherry has manipulated, used and stolen from everyone she has come into contact with and Judy washed her hands of it all before Sherry stopped using and drinking. Judy has a hard time believing that the ‘addict behavior’ is a thing of the past…and she may be right, but I believe she deserves another chance.
    Thank you for the wonderful post!

    1. There is often such conflict in a family that is affected by addiction. I will pray that Judy and Sherry could repair their relationship.
      I understand the bond between you and Judy; it is much like that with my sisters. We can hear each other’s voices and be instantly calmed. Best wishes to you Cathy in the coming new year!!
      xo Joanne

  2. This is wonderful (again!) Jo! I can just picture the four of you at dinner toasting a somewhat harrowing but loving year. I long for such a relationship, but still feel blessed with the one I have with my sister. Plus, you and your family are always ready to share, and that’s a great feeling, too! Have a fabulous time together, celebrating Mary, and enjoying the entire family tomorrow! Opa! Love you all to the moon and back!

  3. Hi Joanne, I so enjoyed reading this heartwarming post! You are all very blessed to share such an amazing bond! Iam sure you each cherish it dearly, and your mom’s heart must surely be filled with peace & gratitude to see the love her daughters share.

    1. Ah, yes we are lucky and it is our mom I give the credit. She has always fostered a good relationship between us all- love us equally and made sure that we knew it. Blessings to you for a happy and healthy new year Cindy!!
      xo Joanne

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