Thursday, April 26, 2007

Sisters

A sister is a little bit of childhood
that can never be lost.
-Marion C. Garretty

My sister's coming for a visit this afternoon. I've thrown open the windows, clipped roses, put on a Bach Concerto, and made pink, sugar-rimmed glasses for the strawberry lemonade. Now all that's left is to watch for her pretty face.

My sister was three when I left for college. It's strange, with the age difference she seems more like a daughter than a sister. I've missed so much of her growing up, though... what with being in college, trying to become the next Barbara Walters, and moving on with my messy, thrilling existence. Over the years we've taken days and weekends when we (I) could... watching movies, painting toenails, eating out, swimming.

She'll be grown and off soon. It's hard to believe. In Target yesterday I saw a "young adult" book called Ida B and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World. I laughed. It sounded like us. Beneath her, I know, but if we share anything it's a love of books. Well, books and hair color. But mainly books.

When I got Ida B home she looked lonely. So I made Rice Krispie treats, but they looked lonely too. So I cut them out with biscuit cutters, slid in popsicle sticks, dipped them in melted white chocolate, and added sprinkles. Lovely. By the time it was over I had almost 80, so the youth group at church got a tray full. (I walked out of church last night in time to see a deacon happily munching on a sprinkled-lollipop. I laughed half the way home.)

But my sister. I still think of her as that kid in pig tails and sandals who waited at the door for my car to drive up. It makes me wish I had been there for more of her young life. Gosh, the days fly by. If we're not careful we miss so many important moments.

But not today. Today won't be one of those days. Today belongs to pink-sugared glasses, silly books and sprinkles. Sprinkles and sisters...

...Thank God for sisters.

11 comments:

Ann said...

Hi Brin,

I've been reading your last couple of posts. You're so ambitious!

I agree with everyone else. When you are completely done with your patio you must take more pics and share.

So glad to hear you get to spend time with your sister today. I grew up as an only child and inherited two sisters when I got married - sisters are SUCH a blessing!

Oh, and the youth group must have been thrilled to eat your yummy rice krispie treats.

:)

Ann

Mary L. Briggs said...

What a sweet post, Brin. It brought tears to my eyes. You are so right, that we miss so much of each others lives. Hope you and your sis had a very special day!

What a cute pic of the two of you!

Anonymous said...

Sisters ROCK! I have a sister who was born when I was 18! She was adopted at the age of 2 days. She is now 24 (yes, that makes me, ummmm.......)! Last week we found her birthmom - it's been weird. My sis found out she has a step brother....and I would be lying if I said I was relieved that I was still her ONLY sister!
Brin, thanks for this post.....

Unknown said...

Sisters are so special, esp. when it's just the two of you left as in my case having lost both parents, sisters are all that remain but ever so close! Such a sweet photo and post!

Southern Heart said...

What a touching post (and beautiful photo)....it made me want to call my sister (and we talk fairly often). I hope that you and your sister have a wonderful visit together!

Love, Andrea

Anonymous said...

Oh, and by the way, I read Ida B. to my class. They loved it. It's good. Auntie M

Little Penpen said...

What a sweet post! I always wanted a little sister! I am the baby sister of two older brothers. Your sister is very blessed to have YOU!

Beach Girl said...

I never had a sister, but sure wish you could have been mine when I was that age!

Vanessa

a woman who is said...

I loved hearing how you prepared for your sister's visit. I have one sister, and I treasure her friendship greatly. When we get together, it is with the same style and ambience. Setting is important for such an important visitor. Classical music, fresh air, roses (we must have roses) and the only difference is tea! I was charmed by your post and reminded of my lovely dear sis.

smilnsigh said...

Never had one. Enjoy.

Mari-Nanci

cammy said...

What a sweet post. I just bought this book for my daughter! I have missed visiting with you and look forward to catching up!