Bound By Love, Sisters

My life wasn't always easy. I was the youngest of six living children. My mother had a total of nine, but my two older sisters before me and a younger sister after me decided that life in Heaven was far better than living here on earth. Each of them only lived a couple of days before transcending back to eternal bliss.

Being the youngest wasn't so bad. I had four big brothers, and the eldest child was my sister, Juanita. She saw herself as Momma #2 since she was just that. My mother worked, and Juanita had to keep all of us. She's 15 years older than me, so we did not have the regular sister bonding that most people would have.

Our relationship was genuinely different. You see, I didn't start getting to know my sister until it was just the two of us living. All of my brothers and my mother have passed. Diabetes and murder are the culprits responsible for their transition. We've been on our own without the rest of the family since May 2012. Now don't get me wrong, there are the children we've had, but that is not the same as the original dynamic that comes from siblings.

Now one thing did separate us for a few years after my siblings and parents moved on. It was 1205 miles of concrete and asphalt. I was living in Mississippi, and she was living in New York. We would see each other a few years before 2012. After that, I would suggest that Juanita moved to Mississippi with my husband, Eric, myself, and my son Curtis. Finally, in 2014 she took the plunge, got a house, and became one of those who maintain residences in two separate states.

Our relationship began to take shape. Understand, although I've been around my sister most of my life, I did not know her as well as a sister should.

So first, I know when she reads this letter she'll have my head, but that's okay. I'll take the chance. Because to show you my appreciation for her, I need to disclose a little information. However, what I love the most about my sister is how she always talks about how proud she is of me. But, I, too, am very proud of my sister. To play the role of Momma #2, she did not finish high school. She worked and took care of us knuckleheads to help my mom, who worked 2-3 jobs at a time to keep a roof over our heads.

Once she became a mom to my nephew, she did what she had to do to make a success of herself in her way. If you ask Juanita about herself, she won't brag about her accomplishments. She's doing pretty well in retirement. How many people do you know that stay in New York or Mississippi anytime she feels like it.

The great thing about her being here in Mississippi is that she lives around the corner from me. Actually, her house is right behind mine, and our backyards have been combined, thanks to my husband. Oh, that's the other thing. I love my sister so much—her relationship with my husband, Eric. The two of them were two peas in a pod. They hung out went on their road trips, and she considered him her little brother. It wasn't easy when COVID19 took Eric away. Our being just the two of us again is a strain because we don't touch or kiss each other to protect ourselves. She comes to my house more than I come to her home, but we have a way to see each other that keeps us safe. We practice safe distance, and we wear our masks around each other. She's been vaccinated, but I am still waiting due to a waiting period for those who had COVID19.

Now that I shared some background, I can now say why I love my sister so much. She has always been there for me. She's the first to want to help out when she thinks I am in need. She loves me unconditionally (believe me, I'm a pain in the ass as her little sister). She is a beautiful Black woman that lives up to the stereotype of "Black don't crack!" Although she is in her seventies, she can easily pass for 10 – 15 years younger.

She has more wisdom than she knows. Thus, humility is a beautiful trait that she possesses. I tend to take my sister for granted at times, and I apologize for that, sis. As you always remind me, you are Momma #2. However, please know that I am so thankful for you being in my life. I appreciate your contribution to cultivating my personality. It is because of you and Ma that I am the adventurous person I am. I love to explore and try my hands at new things because you always made me feel that I can do anything I decide to do. So again, thank you.

We must pay homage to those who are still with us, and that's what this letter I write does. I don't want to regret not sharing my thoughts and feelings about my big little sister!

Sisters are bonded by love. They hold the precious memories of childhood and the wisdom to keep the bond strong. There are so many things I do not recall in early childhood. However, my sister always tells me about my outgoing personality that was present throughout my life. Not wanting anyone older to watch over me and crying until something was done about it. Or, when my sister would take me to the neighborhood diner, and I would bang my pudgy little fists on the counter demanding for "hamburger." Having an ear to listen to me as I mourn for my husband because she's gone through a similar experience. I can write all day, and I still will not touch upon every facet of this loving soul.

So, Juanita. I love you. I thank you, and I pray we will continue to grow. Peace and blessings, dear sister!

FIN