If we’re lucky, we make a friend we can say anything to. A friend who’s seen us at our worst and inexplicably loves us still. A friend who knows where the bodies are buried, because she picked the spot and brought a backhoe.
I’m exceptionally lucky, because I’ve got three. Over the last twenty years, we’ve seen each other through bad grades and breakups and betrayals, through the loss of parents and the longing for children. We’ve laughed and cried and mourned together, and we always know when to show up bearing chocolate.
One of my sisters lost a family member last night, and though I can’t be there to hug her in person, I hope she can feel how much I love her all the same. If you can, please spare a thought for her, as well. Sisters have to stick together.
Tell me about your sisters, be they biological or spiritual. How have they helped you through the tough times? How do you celebrate the good ones? What does sisterhood mean to you?
There is nothing like a best friend to get you through the ups and downs. I am unusually lucky because my BBF is a psycho-therapist. Saved me a ton of money! “The reason we became friends is simply because she is she and I am I.”
Psychiatric credentials WOULD come in really handy in a BFF.
Lindsey, at this moment as I sit in my darling husband’s hospital room and read your post, my sister is sitting next to me, holding my hand, handing me tissues, buying me snacks and backing me up as we stand as advocates facing the stream of specialists and prognosticators parading through this room and our lives.
I am so fortunate to have a number of exceptional friends who would show up with a backhoe if needed, but my true sister has always been the fiercest and most loyal of these.
My deepest sympathies to your dear friend. Thank you for starting this discussion.
I’m so glad your sister is with you right now, C. C. Thinking good thoughts for you and your husband.