Monday, September 27, 2010

Dear Ashley



Birthdays are special.  It's like a bookmark, with each year signifying the end to a splendid chapter.  I am sure this last year had many highs and lows.  Like the time you took Emily for me when I went into labor with Andrew.  Or when you took all the exquisite photos of our family.  I am sure there are other more distant memories that you can recall better than I.

It's funny how we spent so much of our teenage years fighting.  Your iron will against mine.  A clash of Titans.  Physically, you won much more of the fights, but emotionally, I'd say I did some damage.  I'm sorry for that.  I am grateful that we have moved past that adolescent nonsense and turned our relationship into something much better--a sister relationship.  We still exchange silly banter but our fights have diminished, our iron melted down.  We have our differences, of course, yet we see past those.  Recognizing how much we need each other.

I felt it more poignantly after I miscarried.  You called and it meant the world to me.  Knowing that I had a sister who cared and would listen.  Thank you.

I wish you the best on this birthday.  Enjoy the cabin and the fishing.  Above all, remember that I am here, forever, as your sister.

Love,

Amber

12 comments:

  1. Sisterhood can be so complex. It is wonderful that you both have moved past the arguments into a supportive relationship.

    I wish I could do the same with my own sister, but I don't hold out much hope.

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  2. You always write the sweetest letters, Amber. They make me smile.

    xo
    Penny

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  3. Happy birthday, Ashley. (I always enjoy learning about your beautiful family through these birthday posts, Amber.)

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  4. I love your letter entries, Amber. You are lucky to have each other and to have transitioned gracefully into adult relationships.

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  5. I don't know about gracefully. : ) It took a while for me to bury certain things. Ben has taught me a great deal about forgetting past hurts.

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  6. Happy birthday to your sister! My closest (in age) sister's just past. I think I'd relate very closely to your experience in growing beyond those memories of sisterhood on the edge. :)

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  7. My sister and I went through a love/hate relationship for years. Now we're close as can be. You are so sweet - come to my place and see for yourself.

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  8. As a girl with one sister she adores and one she doesn't speak too, I'm happy that you've found a way to enjoy your sister despite the past. She is lucky to have you.

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  9. It took years for my sisters to be "cool" enough to be friends with, but I am glad that it happened.

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  10. Happy birthday Ashley! (I'm an only child here living vicariously through those with close and loving bonds like the one you have with your sister). Enjoy each other.

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  11. I don't have a sister and often times feel like I've been robbed. I'm glad you have one to lean on. Hope you're feeling better!

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