Sister

We have just returned from Herself's family reunion, and are quite happy to be able to resume composing entries for the blog.  We have many things about which to write; where to begin?  Let us start with Herself's beloved Sister, whom Herself saw for the first time in over three years at the reunion.

Although her Sister is a few years younger than she, Herself has at times felt as though she has grown up in her Sister's shadow.  When they were young, Herself's schoolmates would frequently remark about Sister's noteworthiness:  "Your sister is so cute." "Your sister is just beautiful." "Your sister is adorable." "Your sister has the most beautiful hair."  All correct.  Even so, now as then, Sister's golden hair and her bright blue eyes framed by those impossibly thick lashes are but the smallest of her many shining qualities. 

Sister has a remarkable ability to attract people to her.  Sister makes friends easily and has a wide circle of acquaintances.  When Sister and Herself were teenagers, boys flocked about Sister, bestowing gifts upon her.  Sister was asked out on her first date before Herself was asked out on her own.  No matter where they went -- be it a different city or even a different country -- it always seemed as though they would run into one of Sister's many friends and admirers. 

Sister sings gloriously.  She is athletic -- incredibly trim and fit -- and admirably disciplined in her exercise and healthy eating regimens. She is intelligent, humorous, witty.  She is beautifully organized. She is kind and thoughtful. She is a superb and extraordinarily patient mother. She is a wonderful friend.

Sister is everything that Herself would like to be.

When thinking about Sister, Herself feels the same way she did as a child: homely, awkward, inadequate, painfully aware of her own limitations.  One might think that Herself would resent Sister for being so extraordinary, when she Herself is so very ordinary.  Yet, it is impossible to do so, for Sister's radiance shines upon everyone in her presence.  To know Sister is to feel better about oneself:  Sister inspires, brings hope, makes one feel loved. 

And more.  Because they grew up together, Sister has a unique comprehension of all of the metaphorical baggage that Herself carries with her.  Herself need not explain so many of her own eccentricities and failings, for Sister knows their roots. She understands. 

Now that Herself is home again, she is painfully heartbroken  - for she has been reminded once more of the cruelty of a Universe that allows her only such rare and short visits with her Sister.  Yet even those crumbs of time together are tremendous, for they bring a tranquility that is of inestimable value.  Herself will hold on to those moments for as long as she can.

This is the kind of Friend
You are -
Without making me realize
My soul's anguished history,
You slip into my house at night,
And while I am sleeping,
You silently carry off
All my suffering and sordid past
In Your beautiful
Hands.
- Hafiz