Monday, August 25, 2008

Would You Like to Meet My Sister Cindy?


Well, if you do, you'll have to settle for this blog because she doesn't have one of her own (in fact, she barely checks email outside of work). I talk to her on the phone nearly every week (for hours sometimes ... like last Saturday). I vacation with her often (Disneyworld '07, Disneyland '08). But I still miss my li'l sis. We live with a continent between us, but a lifetime of memories bridge the gap with each heartbeat. She's my staunchest ally, greatest cheerleader, and loyal sidekick regardless of the routine. No matter what life throws our way we come out on top with our arms wrapped around each other.

We may share little similarity in taste and style, but we go together like Pooh & Tigger, Martin & Lewis, ketchup & mustard. You won't find us bickering over the last dribble of sweet tea (hers!) or spoonful of lima beans (mine!). While I potter around in an english cottage filled with books and chintz and teapots, she lives with sleek black leather, lacquer-red walls, and an ipod. I dig in the gardens and gather armfuls of roses; she avoids the dirt and enjoys manicures. While I drive a king-sized SUV or crew-cab pickup (how else does one transport all those kids and HARPS and garden goodies?), she sports around in a petite SUV that gets GREAT MILEAGE. (Did I mention she's the thriftiest gal I've ever met? Also unlike me. ) I have five kids; she has five cats. And on and on the list goes.

But ... our "complimentary" personalities fit tightly into an embrace that has carried us through life on a lark filled with laughter and laced with tears. If I need her I just call and I'm always "on call" for her. We've climbed mountains sheer-faced with challenge, danced above the tree line hidden by the fluffy clouds of wonder and enchantment, slogged through the muckiest of valleys, and run like the wind when needed. She picked up and moved a continent away nearly 10 years ago to find the life she always dreamed of. She has a powerful position with a great company and an adorable husband. (She married full-blooded Italian descent; I chose full-blooded German roots -- and we're a couple of rag-tag mixes of this-and-that.) When you mix it all together and throw it in the air it rains down happiness and laughter and endorphins galore when we get together.

In the tune box at right I have added two "Soundtracks" for our life. The first "Music Box Dancer" became a smash hit just prior to my departure for a high school summer exchange trip to Norway. I loved that little tune. My sister missed me dreadfully that summer and every time this music box song came on the radio she would cry. I also have one of those "make-me-cry" reactions when I hear Helen Reddy's "Candle on the Water" from Disney's Pete's Dragon. I sang that to my sister many a time as kids and I still stand by it: "I'll be your candle on the water, my love for you will always burn ..."

In my nostalgic mood I scrolled through some old pics. We have very little record of our childhood, but what I have speaks volumes of our bond. Hope you enjoy this little peek into the past. ; )




















17 comments:

Anonymous said...

OMGosh I love the feathered hair...I so remember that!

What a lovely relationship you have! I never had a sister but always wanted one. Thanks for sharing your story!

Becky said...

Wow! I see so much of your girls in those pictures of you and your sis. What a blessing to be so close to each other.

sukipoet said...

You are blessed to have such a wonderful sister and relationship for and with each other. Love the old pictures through the years. Blessings, suki Ah so that's your connection to Norway!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

love the pictures and lovely post!
it is wonderful to know there are such close family relationships out there :)
HUGS Laura

Anonymous said...

A lovely post and some great photos! I'm interested to know where your sister lives - a continent away....?

Have a good week!

Peter

Julie said...

What a sweet tribute to your sis... I should call mine. Sisters really are such special blessings.

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Hi All,

I guess I should clarify that my sister moved to the other side of the US (hence, the continent between us). I'm in CA, she's in NC; but it feels like the other side of the world! Oh I am SO thankful for cellphones. ; )

Grandma Tillie's Bakery said...

Neat post about your sister. My sister and I are close and there is no other relationship that even comes close! I love seeing siblings that are such great friends.

CIELO said...

You two look so much alike.... sisters are such a blessing, and it's so nice to have them close by... enjoy!

cielo

Flea said...

Your posts are always so sweet! And I'm jealous of the feathered hair. Mine is thick and curly and would never do that. Not that I'd want it now, or anything ...

CONNIE said...

I do love the "feathered' hair... reminds me of Farrah Fawcet!

Lovely post about your sister Cindy. I have 2 sisters that I missed a lot and to see them requires a lot of planning. One is in Japan and the other is in the Philippines but I get to talk to them so often.

Have a great evening, Debbie. Thanks for all your prayers about Joe. You're sucha sweetheart.

Jo said...

Oh my word! Look at my friend with the "Farrah hair!!" ;-) Beautiful then, beautiful now.
Hugs,
Jo

Karen Deborah said...

ok me next, I'm your sister toooo right???? sweet sweet love the hair!

Karen Deborah said...

ps, is that a black and white of Rachel Kaye? WOW talk about a look alike photo.

Kathy said...

So sweet! Beautiful pictures and look at those lovely smiles! Sisters are such a blessing. I miss my sisters too. I am the one who moved across the continent from mine.

imbeingheldhostage said...

wow, you look alike! What a nice post to introduce us!

Full of Grace said...

Dontcha just love sisters, especially ones that are dear to the heart. I just got mine back and I am loving every minute of it (she lived a distance but moved back into the area- you know her as Renaissance!) It reminds me of one of my favorite movies- White Christmas (If you've watched it then you know exactly what I'm talking about!) :)