I had lunch today with my brother and sister. It’s kind of a rare occasion really. There was no special reason….no birthday or funeral. Just to visit. And I think it’s so easy to take for granted how wonderful it is to be able to talk and laugh and visit with someone who’s seen you in your skivvies while you had the chicken pox and still picked your nose. And who knows that you’re not nearly as smart or funny or responsible as people think you are. And who shared a room, the flu, a boyfriend, a few knock-down drag-out fights and a car with you. And who has seen you at your worst and best moments. And somehow still loves you more than almost anyone in the world. It’s a immutable bond that we share. An inside track. A ‘knowing’ that is intimate and forgiving and forever.
We may seldom verbalize it but there’s a sense that no matter what happens in our own personal private lives, things with the three of us will never change. My sister will make the calls, my brother will do the dishes, and I will find something funny to laugh about. He will call me ‘sister’. I will call him ‘brother’. Gina will call us both and tell us what time to be at lunch. And where.
I find it ever comforting to know that these two people are ‘mine’. They will take my calls. And listen to my new ‘obsessions’ and endure my rantings and love on my children…..and hold my hand when life goes dark. They will not leave. No matter what. And for that I am thankful. Even the closest of friends can hardly compare to that kind of loyalty. It makes me grateful that my children have each other. And reminds me how important ‘family’ really is in life.
They know our history. Our deepest fears. Our failures. Every vulnerability. And our greatest joys. They make us who we are. And keep us safe. And loved. Here’s to friendships that have depth and staying power. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gifts.
P.S. Brother: Sorry that I ripped your Farrah Fawcett poster in 1977. I did it with volition and malice. In retrospect, I coveted her hair and had to make room for Shawn Cassidy.
Sis, I’m finally able to say I forgive you for stealing my middle school boyfriend. In retrospect, I realize you were sweet and always home when he called. And let’s face it, you were very well developed and I had a mullet.
I love you both dearly. And I’m practicing up for the next installment of Rock Band.
