Sister Weekend

I am finding myself at a loss for words. Well, not a loss, but a definite need to tread softly. After all, how does one tell about a cherished Sister Weekend without destroying the mystery or divulging the secrets of our annual rendezvous? Such a dilemma.

On the one hand, my weekends with my sisters produce some of the silliest moments of my entire life. On the other hand, the time is almost sacred. We always laugh, we always cry, we always sing, play games, and drink a lot of Dr. Pepper. We eat, we shop, we pray. We make few plans, and choose rather to meander through our time together experiencing each moment as an event in and of itself. The togetherness is the thing.

This year we went to Sunriver, OR. The weather was perfect for bike rides to the village and hours of browsing. At night we watched chick flicks and played Quibbler—a card game that is a cross between scrabble and gin. I am probably the most competitive, but I think it’s safe to say that none of us like to lose, so the real challenge of game time is remembering to be nice to each other in the midst of fierce competition. We don’t always succeed. But we try.

At one time or another, someone’s feelings inevitably get hurt. Harsh words are spoken. A joke is made at someone’s expense. Tensions rise, and then—since we are sisters—grace and love finally win out.

And isn’t that the best thing about sisters? We know each others’ worst faults, we’ve seen each others’ most embarrassing moments, we’ve heard each others’ harshest words; but these things do not define us for each other. Rather, we choose to delight in each others’ greatest gifts, to celebrate each others’ victories, and to remember the kind words that were spoken in love. Like chaff, the rest is blown away, and we cling only to the kernels of goodness we find in each other.

I am always encouraged by Robin’s tiger-like loyalty, warmed by Barbara’s genuine interest, inspired by Keri’s infectious joy, and grieved by the absence of Sharon’s zany sense of humor. I want to be just like them when I grow up. I always have wanted to be just like them.

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