Sisterhood

7/19/11 Just what determines sisterhood. I’m not one to answer that---for I am sister-less----at least birth-wise.

Birth, for sure, is a determinant. Mother always said “blood is thicker than water.” I understand her thinking because Mother was always big on strong family relationships, which always included obligations to blood kin. Maybe that’s why I have such caring brothers----Mother “threatened” them. As she began to face her imminent death she did instruct them to “take care of me.” Since they were both already retired at the time, I joked that since I was the only one gainfully employed, the caretaking role might actually fall to me. Not so, they continue to watch over me and I am so-o-o grateful! I actually rather like my “only girl” position!

However, friends who have sisters seem to have a closeness and a connection, different from the relationship they have with their brothers. Some have told me that there’s no relationship quite like that of “sisters.” Yet, one friend with two sisters has that kind of relationship with only one of her sisters---the other sister not so much. A recent e-mail from a blog reader stated that she is not close to her “blood” sister at all but has a very close friend who is more like a sister to her----a solidarity in their relationship based on past experiences and unconditional acceptance. Though separated by miles, she says they can always pick up right where they left off----either face to face, or chat to chat on their computers or cells.

Two of my good friends, Jan and Ann, grew up with sisters. (Mary & Polly) Sisters who were special to them. Yet each has had to stand at the grave of her sister and now with deep understanding, they somewhat fill the void of that loss for each other. The shared remembrances and the shared losses have bonded them in a special way.

For those of us without sisters, Annette B. defined sisterhood well, “….there are sisters that God puts in our path....they become friends and then sisters. Those are the best kind because you get to "choose" them. These kind of sisters know your mind ...” Certainly there are those sisters in the faith who have a special bond.

How blessed are those who have both---by physical birth and by spiritual birth. Such is the “sisterhood” of JoLynn and Aleese. (often just Jo & Al to each other) They share everything---the good and the not so good, they’ve loved each other through it all. A past filled with childhood antics and grieving their parents deaths to almost daily phone calls filled with family updates & recipes to praying & sharing God’s goodness in their lives----are all important components of their “sisterhood.”

Sister-less by birth is certainly easier to bear when one finds that sister or sisters in the faith--- ones who accept you warts and all. One or ones who know all about you, but love you anyway. Sisterhood, it’s worth the risk.