Counting on sisters…

Sisters… who needs them?

Me! I do!

I wanted them… but was sadly bereft of them! Three brothers, and not a sister in sight! Mind you, growing up in the rough and tumble of my family, a delicate, fragile sister may not have fared so well. Eye watering tea towel flicks were par for the course whilst enjoying… enduring our gruelling nocturnal escapades of transforming unwashed dishes into sparkling gems. Competition was stiff. A casual jog around the block with one brother became an attempt to break the 15oom record. Annoyingly, I remained two steps behind, from start to finish. Tears were futile… impotent to alter the outcome or heart. True, an unexpected spurt of speed was a ploy I’d planned to use, to snatch the win myself… but that’s beside the point! Surely, I was a sister full of sweetness and light! I was definitely a refreshingly tangy grapefruit gracing a sunny breakfast table — beware, unsuspecting diners!

So… the absence of flesh and blood sisters didn’t stop me! My younger cousin Shelly had the dubious honour of becoming my first sister. As our mothers were sisters, our families were close. Memorable holidays were spent together taking summer dips in secluded, local waterholes or cast adrift on picnic blankets floating on a sea of verdant, knee-high grass. Incessant Wet Season downpours found us huddled — shivering around barbecues —begging the sausages to speedily stew. Together, we created intricate Tiny Towns on the golden beach near our grandparents’ place.

Sister Susie was second to be crowned, five fleeting decades ago. Our camaraderie has withstood more than the mere test of time. Despite being close in age, different year levels meant we barely caught sight of each other at school. Athletics’ competitions couldn’t drive a wedge between us. However, it was difficult to refrain from coveting her potent sprint power and explosive launch when jumping High, Long or Triple! A Pocket Rocket! Weekends saw us convulsed in laughter when hanging out together at Youth Group; church or lounging on swings in the park. Conversation never waned.

Two thousand kilometres separated us when we left our school days in the haze. Lengthy missives, sporadic phone calls and visits spanned the distance across four decades, until at last… we again shared the same town. Susie’s family generously gave my eldest son a home during his first year away at Uni. Our children consider themselves to be cousins. A long running dispute between my daughter and I remains unresolved! Which of us likes Susie the best? She’s up for any challenge: board game marathons; correct medical diagnoses or talking me down from the metaphorical ledge (resigning from my job)!

Janice — another impressive sprinter — claimed the title of Third Sister. A brilliantly witty friend and stalwart supporter in work places (Banking and Nursing)… she saved what little sanity I possessed. Janice and Shelly honoured me by becoming Bridesmaids at my wedding. Who designed and made the Bridesmaids’ dresses and cocktail hats? Janice… whilst also teaching herself to braid hair — prior to such styles becoming commonplace. Sadly, 600 kms now separate us, but the connection remains.

Number four sister made her appearance quietly … Ann, who kindly joined my Aussie Adventures. We shared accommodation; highs; lows; midnight chats, mania and snacks across four years of nursing together.

Two wonderful Wendys bring my tally of sisters to six. Both are smart, sassy… can do anything — real pioneering women — who help anyone, anywhere, anytime. Need I say more?

Seven is a perfect number, so I thought my final sister was Rachel. Pure hearted and joyful despite adversity… a real inspiration.

However, Sue — my workmate and Partner in Crime, Fantasy, History, Sports... you get the picture — somehow broke my rule and snared the title, Sister Sue! Polar opposites — she’s sane; sensible and won’t back away from any issue — we forged a strong connection which also now survives across distance and time.

I have been richly blessed by countless other friendships across the years and distances. As I don’t have enough fingers and toes to keep track of them all, I’d better wind this up now… before I get started on Vocal friends!

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Inspired by: Heather Hubler’s challenge below…