The Graces of Sisterhood

Graces

1.Greek & Roman Mythology Three sister goddesses, known in Greek mythology as Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, who dispense charm and beauty.

2. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.

3.The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.

4. An excellence or power granted by God.

 I have been wanting to write about my two sisters for some time now. There are those ideas, as I’m sure other writers will attest to, that are just challenging to put into words. But here and now I’m going to try and describe the feelings I have for my two sisters.

L to R, Joanne, Mary, Cally

First, just bit of background. Mary is two years younger than me. When we were growing up, she and I played Batman together, rode Schwinn bikes together, fought and protected each other. Today she is an entrepreneurial, forward thinking, loving woman who makes time for anyone and any good mission or project. Cally is four years younger than me. I remember her as a child, but just barely. I am sure I protected her, watched over her, as my father often reminded me of my caretaker and role model responsibilities. Cally is soft and quiet but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t step up to the plate. She is quite the leader, eloquent writer and artistic creator.

I think the three of us are a blend of my father’s outstanding leadership qualities and our mother’s (Katherine) wisdom, strength and great Grecian- inherited event planning skills. How very lucky we are to have been so blessed!

It was not until the three of us left for college that I felt how really close we were. Though separated by distance, we would come together at holidays and on special occasions. As we got older, we shared our life experiences, our trials and tribulations of growing up. We have not agreed upon everything but we respect and support each other. I think we make a great team, bouncing ideas off each other and managing some good retail therapy when we have a chance to be together.

There is no denying that now, the relationship between us is very strong. I found a quote by Susan Ripps in which she says “There is no outsider anywhere who wouldn’t appreciate and even envy the tremendous advantage that sisters have, if properly utilized, against all odds”. How true!

At the Base of the Acropolis!

God must certainly have Grace in mind when he creates sisters.  Divine love, the state of being protected, and power to support, love and care for each other. When I found the definition of Graces in Wikipedia (in my opening), somehow it was just perfect for describing my relationship to my sisters.

Do you have a sister? Whether she is blood related or not, sisterly bonds can last forever. I can think of several people who I feel special enough about to call them sisters. Tell me in comments below what your sister(s) mean to you. I’d love to hear about it!

It's nice to share. Thank you.

9 Replies to “The Graces of Sisterhood”

  1. “God must certainly have Grace in mind when he creates sisters.” This sentence is quote-worthy! Your pictures from childhood and then again at the base of the Acropolis are the perfect visuals for your thoughts today. I have one older Sister – Cristol. We are very protective of each other in a way that only Sisters can understand. We also share the ability to find the humor in life. I think, sometimes, you have to find the humor so you can also find the Grace. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts on Sisters. Great way to start the day, and to put a smile on my face!

    1. Diana, Thank you so much for your comments. Yes, I do think that finding humor helps in the quest for Grace. Have a wonderful day!

  2. Joanne, thank you for those extraordinary and beautiful words. And what a lovely, poetic metaphor “graces” is for sisters, sisterhood and three Greek Goddesses. Perfect!

    You are such a blessing, as is Mary. I could say so much more here…but will limit it to this: I love you. With much gratitude for that lovely tribute…xoxo your sister Calliope

  3. Joanne, I just saw this blog posted on my FB page as Iam departing Florida. Of course, Iam feeling a bit emotional because i am so blessed to have had this wonderful week with Benji, Jeannine & kids! That is my grace from God today. We talked at dinner last nite about having siblings, (Iam an only child), & Kayla informed. me in her 13 year old way, that it is ok because I have many people to love me!! God has also. blessed me with wonderful sister friends. I. lloved reading this this morning. Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts. The pics are so cute!!

    1. Hello Cindy! I welcome you to my blog and thank you so much for commenting. It is wonderful to love and be loved and it is a blessing to have good people in our life!

  4. Joanne – I have one 1/2 sister. We laugh a lot when we get together. She has 4 girls under the age of 13. And I try to get my older kids to play pick-up kickball with the youngns. We both play with the kids always on the opposite team. Oh its funny to watch us try to run the bases!!

    When it is cold, we’ll play board games indoors.

    I’m four years older than her and I was a real meanie to her when we were growing up. We fought a lot. She’s blonde and I’m not.

    She’s lived far-ish away now for over 13 years – Oil City and now Johnstown!

    But we all strive really hard to get 2gether for the holidays and some birthdays here and there.

    Love my sissy!

    But of course, I have many many sisters in Christ and in the program!! I love them all!

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