I love my sister. Once upon a time Carolyn & El had five kids. The first child was a girl. A
beautiful girl, with tons of black hair. Six years later, the second girl was born (that would be me)(I was pretty cute, too!).
And they were forever sisters.
(In the midst of that were two brothers, and six years later a baby sister, but they’re not included in today’s story! Sorry 🙂 )
My big sister and I are black and white. In my eyes she has always been the beautiful, sweet, patient, gentle, kind, understanding, grace-giving person I would like to be. I got the more boisterous, loud, short-tempered genes. (Come to think of it, I’m not sure where those genes came from…the milk man?) But somehow in God’s perfect plan, He gave us each other…and it works. She is my best friend, she is my most trusted confidant. (and I know a few great things about her, but I’m not telling!)
She’s always been the caregiver, she’s always been the peacemaker. She’s always had a gentle way of being strong. And I am so grateful that she is my sister.
So here’s the secret. (We’re okay, because her computer is in the shop.) I have absolutely never told her this. But somewhere in my possibly damaged psyche, I have always believed her to be better. She is and has always been beautiful, I don’t think she ever did anything to disappoint anyone (I on the other hand…). To me, she is all that is good, and right, and perfect. (sounds mushy, but it’s true!)
We have both fought the “few pounds past where we want to be” fight for years. Which happens to be one of our choice telephone conversation topics. What she doesn’t know is that I had this little thing in my mind, and as long as I was just a few pounds under her weight, I was good. One of my few goals in life, weigh less than her. Sick, isn’t it? And in the past few weeks, in one of those moaning conversations about weight, she said it. She gave me the number. It was four pounds less than me! Then to top it off, she joined Weight Watchers, and has lost another five. This life-long game I’ve played, well, I lose.
Today, I’m letting go of that game. I’m really proud of her. And hoping that in this, like she has done so many times before, she will inspire me! And just in case you’re reading this, Happy Birthday Big (oh, I mean older) Sister!
49andcounting 