When I was not even a year old, 11 months, 2 weeks to be exact; my baby sister was born. Still a baby myself we grew up very close together. My mom dressed us the same and people always asked if we were twins. We also fought like cats and dogs. At 13 she ended up at the bottom of some stairs, by my hand, and I ended up with a broken nose, by hers. We went our own ways through those tumultuous teenage years, but as adults we found our way back to each other, and a wonderful friendship developed.
Over the years as my children were born, Sindy was the "fun" aunt. The kids were always so excited to see her. She was the aunt that bought your kids the annoyingly loud toys, gave them sugar and caffeine, and then went home as soon as they got cranky, and my kids loved her. She played on the slip and slide with them, even though it warned "not for adults", she had them come for sleep overs, and helped them hide their broccoli so they didn't have to eat it. Even the family dog prefers her over me.
10 years ago when our mom passed away, our bond grew even stronger. We had each other and that was an amazing blessing. Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, all were spend with my sister. Summer outings on the boat, with my brother-in-law towing us around and trying to flip us like rag dolls always brought much joy and laughter, and also much pain and suffering the next day. We just love hanging out together.
My greatest blessing from my sister came during my cancer journey and subsequently the break up of my marriage. Wow, was she there for me in a big way. She took time off work, made sure I was always taken care of, and was my biggest cheerleader. She made many, many drives out here to Modesto to keep me company, listen, and be a shoulder to cry on. She was amazing.
When you are "not quite single" these relationships are so important, so it is with great sadness that I watch her move far away. Although I am sad for myself and my kids, I am happy for her and this next season of her life where she will be able to buy annoyingly loud toys for her grand kids, and fill them up with sugar and caffeine and then go home. A season when she again will be the life of the party for yet another set of kids, her own. So, I put away my sadness, and pull out my pompoms, and say "I am so excited for you". Chance and Audrey are blessed to have such a wonderful grandma as you. I will miss you and I love you.
-Your Sissy
