Siblings…and those who feel like siblings

Today is National Sibling Day!   Can’t say that I remembered this on my own…I had a Facebook memory pop up and then, to confirm it, I went to Google.   OY!   So many “holidays!”   But I posted a picture of my lovable siblings…Eddie, Joey & Lori, and acknowledged my gratefulness!   In honor of this special day, I think this deserves a little more.

I can honestly say that these three people have been with me from the get-go!   I am the oldest and the favorite as you surely must know, and I have always considered these siblings to be mine!   I led the way for them and set the standards high!   I think I’m the only goodie two shoes in the lineup, but I tried!

Over the years, we’ve had our ups and downs, but there is never a dispute that we are connected and regardless of the situation, we make ourselves available for one another.   Times have tested us…too many times, but we have come out stronger and more bonded than before.  

This became most apparent to me when they heard the news of Greg and I getting divorced.   There were offers to come up and be with me, help me pack, organize yard sales, loan me money, move me home, and so much more.   They would have dropped everything to be there for me and I knew it.   Just knowing that was so comforting.   Having them on my side gave me the strength to get through the difficult days.   They never judged me, just listened and sometimes, they cried with me too.   Each one of them, in their own way, was able to comfort me.    To say that I am grateful for those humans would be an understatement.  

Now, I think about my Katie, who is an only child.   That was never my plan.   We had thought we’d have two or three children, but it wasn’t in the stars.   Over the years, Katie and I have spoken about the ups and downs of being an only child and for the most part, I think she has thrived.  She has said on more than one occasion that her love of theater probably came from her vivid imagination and playing alone.   I believe she and I are so close because we have been able to share with one another, in the absence of a sister.  (I don’t pretend to be her sister/friend and I know she hasn’t shared EVERYTHING with me, but I do know a lot!!)

I think about her in difficult family times, like the divorce of her parents, and who she could turn to for comfort.    I know her husband Anthony is available to her 24/7.   But, there is something about a sibling who gets the family dynamics and I’m sorry Katie doesn’t have that.  

However, I look at her “tribe” and I am overwhelmed with the wonderful people in her life…girlfriends who truly are like sisters.   These are girls who you can say anything to, without judgement.   There are girls who have literally been lifelong friends and those who have recently come into the picture, yet they are all so important.  Then, there are the amazing “brothers” in her life…most coming from her theater life but some friends who have emerged through other ways.  Each of them has a role in her life and for that, I am grateful. 

That brings me back to my tribe.   All of my siblings are in Louisville and I miss them!   I miss the daily contact with them and I miss just getting together on the fly.   But…I am not without “sister friends!”  I have a long list of people that I consider “sisters!”   I have my friends that send a check-in text everyday.  I have my friends that call regularly.   I have my friends that expect me to call them when I get home from an event. (especially when there is an online date meeting!)  I have my friends who randomly show up with flowers or call to say, “we’re going out!” I have my travel buddies.  I have cousins who are almost like sisters.  Each one of these wonderful women plays an important role in my life and I am grateful.  In addition, there are some amazing men in my life that I can call “brother” friends.  I know that not everyone has a big circle like this, so I count my blessings!!

My wish is that I can be a “sister” friend to those of you who have been a “sister” friend to me…and for those of you who need someone, you will feel like I can be that someone for you!  

Hug your sibling today if you can…and if not, hug a friend who is like a sibling to you!!