On Being Sisters, Part of Family Blogging Day

“Today I’m participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We’re celebrating the release of Therese Walsh’s debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese’s website (http://www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.”

On Being Sisters

We share a bond unlike any other. We are each other’s first friends, first confidantes, even first rivals. We share each other’s secrets in the dark of night when we should be sleeping, and cry on one another’s shoulders when we are sad. We learn about jealousy when one of us attains what the other one wanted, but heaven help the person who crosses one of us, for we will rally around each other and defend each other against whatever threatens us. We are sisters. Thrown together by a curious combination of fate and DNA. Forever linked by loyalty and love.

I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t have any sisters. I know it might have been quieter. There would have been far fewer rivalries and hurt feelings. And it would have been utterly boring. For there wouldn’t have been the memories of dancing in recitals and talent shows together, gathering around the television to watch our favorite shows, or sharing our dreams for the future. Nor would there have been the laughter.

When my sisters and I get together, we inevitably go off on such a tangent that it takes on the air of open mike night at the comedy club and there are usually tears involved. We riff off of each other to such an extent that one – or all – of us ends up clutching their sides and wiping their eyes. We tease each other, and ourselves, sometimes mercilessly, but never in a mean spirit. We just, simply, enjoy being with each other, and it is translated into our interactions with one another. But more important, we lift each other up whenever life deals one of us a hard knock. When we feel down, we call each other and by the time we hang up the phone, we are laughing ourselves to tears and helping one another through the rough times.

Through every illness, through every tragedy, sisters are always there to make sure everything is all right. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.