sisters

 

 Just my kids...being kids.  Showing their personalities, which I obviously love.

Ryan and I went to a funeral today for his great aunt.  It wasn't a terribly sad funeral, she had lived a long life and a good life with people she loved and was loved by.  Isn't that all that anyone can ask for?  She died in her sleep, no cancer or illness taking her.  Just age.

I think the person I feel saddest for is Ryan's grandmother, who is now an "only child," so to speak. I overheard her say she will miss her Saturday phone calls with her sister, and it hurts my heart to know how much she will be missing her sister tomorrow morning.

I know that losing your parents is incredibly painful, but it is something you are prepared for in one way or another. Everyone expects that, at some point, your parents will no longer be with you on this earth.  But sisters and brothers?  That's something entirely different.  I don't remember my life before I was a sister and I can't imagine who I would be without being "the oldest."

And, of course, all this thinking about sisters and getting old and dying led me to think about my girls.  How they are slowly becoming friends.  Friends who fight a lot, but friends all the same.  How they will make up little games to play together when they think I'm not paying attention.  How Laci will help her little sister get things she can't reach.  And no, it isn't all sunshine and roses.  Mia has bit Laci more than once in the past few days and Laci consistently takes all the "good" toys from her little sister.  But there are lessons to be learned from the arguments, too, and that's just part of being siblings.  I am so happy they have each other and I hope that I'm setting a good example of how important sisters are in life.

To my sisters:  I'm sure you already know, but I love you both dearly and am so lucky to have you as my closest friends in life.  See you tomorrow.