We are Sisters

"Sisters are the different flowers from the same garden."

~ Anonymous

When a sister is in trouble, sad, or in need a silken cocoon of love and attention is woven about her by her other sisters.  One call and I hurried to the side of one of my sisters.  After 48 hours of staying as close as humanly possible, I came home and began pondering what it is to have a sister and be a sister.  I'm a fortunate woman because I have two, both older, who have each in their turn guided me through the growing-up years.  Over the weekend I thought about how, like three flowers grown in the same earth, watered from the same heavens, and tended by the same gardeners, we can be so very different in color, form, and texture.    

The flower that I think most represents my oldest sister B is the  flamboyant, joyful sunflower...

 B faces the sun with a joyful heart that simply amazes me.  She finds the good where I often fail to.  Her bold spirit slayed the dragons that first borns must, making the path a little less blocked for those following close behind.  Like the sunflower, she makes no apologies for her choices, but follows her heart's content.  

My middle sister reminds me of a soft pink rose...

  Like a rose, N is delicate. At times I want her to unfurl her tight center and open herself to the endless possibilities of life.  Her spirit, too gentle for the world, concerns me that without just the right sunlight warming her face and just enough water to keep her roots happy, she'll fade.  Yet, when she blooms she is striking in her beauty.

And what of me?

 This one took some pondering because we don't always see ourselves the way others do.  I decided I was most like a morning glory.  I like to climb and explore.  I like to try new things, experience new places, and find my bliss on out of the way stops.  Somewhat traditional, my roots lie near the surface in Ohio soil, but given the opportunity I wander gladly.  Opening to morning light, but closing at the first sign of clouds is very much a part of who I am.

Yes, we are sisters.  We play together whenever we can.  We share long distance phone calls pouring out our souls to one another.  We're the first to celebrate each other's victories and the first to embrace the sorrow of disappointment.  We laugh and cry with each other, if not in person, in spirit. 

"We are sisters.  We will always be sisters. 

Our differences may never go away, but neither for me, will our song."

~ Elizabeth Fishel