Sisters!

In my life, I have been blessed with sisters.  Lots of them.  There are my sisters by birth, my sisters by marriage and my sisters by callings.  All of them are sisters from God.

Since my dad was in the military, my family moved a lot while I was growing up.  Kim, just a couple of years younger than me, was a great source of comfort when moving to all those new places.  We would enter Primary together, and could hang out when we didn't know anyone else in the neighborhood.  Although I am the oldest, Kim has been my pioneer- helping me cope with a son diagnosed with autism.  She is far more mature and responsible than me and I love her very much.  Susan is a lot younger than I am, but the coolest sister on earth.  She loved me unconditionally when I was a geeky, awkward teenager and still does, now that I am a geeky, awkward adult.  She is always cheerful and up-beat.  Although she is and will always be about 10 years old in my mind, she has grown to be an amazing mother and wife and I love her too!My brothers married fantastic women- far better than they deserve, in my opinion.  I love hanging with them whenever I get the opportunity- shopping, eating, playing games, laughing.  They are each so talented and amazing.  I wish that I was closer geographically so that I could be closer to them.  I hope my brothers know how blessed they are and that their wives remind them of that fact often. 

I don't have a picture of my husband's sister, but I am grateful for Lori as well.  She is conquering many difficulties and I admire her for her persistence and endurance.  You're doing great, Lori.  Keep it up!!!
While in Utah, I was able to reconnect with a few more of my "sisters"- companions from my mission.  I don't think it's an accident that we call each other "Sister" while we serve together.  The relationship I formed with my companions is definitely more than friendship.  These amazing women shared one of the most remarkable chapters of my life with me.  Not only did I learn so much from them, but I had a blast at the same time.  I was only able to see Sis. Grant, Sis. Staples and Sis. Parks.  (It's still so weird to think of your first names!)  It made me miss all of the other sisters I knew but haven't been able to see even more- Sis. Owens, Sis. Wengreen, Sis. Matthews . . .   It was amazing how we were able to pick up our friendships even after years of being apart.  I marvel at the struggles they've endured and the remarkable wives, mothers and women that they are now.  

My mom recently gave me a box with all the letters I'd written home while in Alabama.  After visiting with these sisters, I loved re-reading what I had written.  In one letter, I wrote, "I didn't come out here to find a best friend.  But I have.  I will love Sis. Parks forever."  And I do.  

I'm so thankful for all of my sisters.