Sisters: bound by common thread

     "Sisters need not be cut from the same cloth to be bound by common thread."   

     Birthdays have always been special events in my family. Celebrating the preciousness of life seemed important to us. 

     This week, as we celebrated my sister's birthday, I was reminded that a part of our childhood can never be lost, no matter how old we become. 
     

     Though we grow up and go our separate ways, our roots remain as one.  When I made my appearance in our family, I soon found I would not be lacking in sisters. Being the youngest of our brood, my five sisters probably unknowingly, helped shape my personality, partly determining who I would eventually become. 
     
     My involvement with my older sisters remains vague in my mind. So, my earliest memories centre around Merle, "the birthday girl of the week." 
     

     I became the tag-a-long little sister when she and my brother went off to the ice-skating rink with their friends or, to a Saturday night movie in the village hall. 
      

     I desperately wanted to feel as grown-up as they appeared to be. I greatly missed Merle, when she finished school and left the family nest, going off to make her own mark in the world. 

     I was awed each time she came home wearing a new outfit. My favourite, still vivid in my memory, was a black and turquoise dress with adorable kitten heads on the two front pockets.  

     

     Years passed, with each of us busy creating our own family unit. After living many years in the West without family nearby, how elated I was when I heard Merle and family were choosing the West as their home. 
     

     Since then, throughout the years, our families have shared happy and sad times, weathering together the storms of life that came our way. I have observed my sister's courage as she faced many challenges with faith, not fear. 
     

     The difficult years brought losing a husband, a son and other dear family members, losing much of her sight... yet, her inner strength and love for God was evident.
     
     Now, even in her declining years, (of course, Sis, I know you are THAT age), she leaves the door of her life wide open to greet each new person God brings across her path. It is obvious her desire is to continue to bless others by showing love and being an encourager.   

     "There is a family resemblance — for when you emulate your Heavenly Father's behaviours — mercy, grace, compassion, kindness, patience and love — people can't help but notice that you are your Father's child." 

— Unknown  

     

     So, Sis, thanks for being a strong example for your little sister. You were my idol away back then. You are still my idol!!

     "You keep your past by having sisters. As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories."

— Deborah Moggach

— beulah