On sisterhoods

On sisterhoods.

I grew up with two older half sisters who doted on my every whim.  They taught me to read when we’d play school, made me pretty when we played dress up and played board games with me to my heart’s content. 

When they left our home when I was about 8 years old, I always felt a void, wishing I had a sister to love.  Don’t get me wrong, I was a very protective older sister to my younger brother, but I dreamed of having a sister to share secrets with, go shopping for things like make up, and to have as a live in best friend.  In my fantasies having a sister with me at home to be BFFS with would make all of life’s trials and tribulations be okay.

Throughout my life I have never really had problem meeting people and making friends. Although I say I am introverted extrovert who feels intimidated at certain social circles, I do love to meet people.  Thus I have many accquaintences that I can talk to easily.  These friends of mine span a huge cross walk of life, from internet friends in other states and countries, to people I have met while running races, or people that have kids at schools with my kids. 

Now that I am in my mid forties and facing many of life’s crises friends, especially girlfriends,  have become extremely important in my life.  These women sisters have shown me that I am strong and that I am loved.  Two things that I desperately need these days.  It's funny to me how I have found these women warriors in the strangest of places.  Some have been friends with me since high school, others, earlier than that, some friends I met on the internet, and some that I have been colleagues with. 

It has amazed me how these women freely share their strength with me during times when I don't seem to have my own, and how easily they support me asking NOTHING in return.  They open their arms, and their hearts so easily with hugs that ease my anxiety and help me know that I am not as pathetic as I feel. 

And, so, to my sisters out there, thank you for loving me when I don't have too much love for myself, for reminding me that I am strong, and for letting me know that imperfect is okay.  I will always return the favor and I am extremely thankful that you are all in my life.