something for sister suze

Remember when I mentioned here that I knit up a whole lot of woolie headbands while I was bonding with my newest little one?  Well, one of those headbands was for my sister who just celebrated a milestone birthday recently.  And when I was looking through my stash, this yarn fairly leaped up onto my needles, begging to be made into something for sister Suze.

 
Suze is my big sister by two years and that meant we often shared the same taste in toys, in clothing, in friends, and once in a boy!  Now that we have our own families, I have had the enjoyment of seeing her in a different light.  She is a very dedicated, loving mama to her three children, and a good friend to a wide range of people.  But what remains true from when we were little are those precious memories that endure in everyday moments today.  I love that we can still finish each other's sentences, or that we laugh the same way at the most ridiculous ideas...to which our husbands look at each other with raised eyebrows.  I love that she really knows me, and has seen me in all my true colours (as long as she's not using that against me)!

 

Now, we live within an hour's drive of each other, though for six years she and her family lived a mere ten minute walk away.  Usually, this was a wonderful, comforting thing.  Occasionally, it was too close for comfort.  Now that she has moved into the city, I miss her.  I miss that the option of stopping in for tea during a morning stroll is no longer available.  I miss that all those dinners we postponed, are harder to reschedule.  I miss having bonfires with her family and watching her three beautiful children play oh-so-well with their cousins.

And now I realize that all it requires is a little more effort.  It was my sister Suze who told me last week that any relationship is work, and it is important to put the effort into that relationship to sustain it.  Some relationships may require more effort than others.  But with a sister, you kind of have to make it work.  And that is a good thing. 

 
I really want  my children to understand the beauty of the sibling relationship.  That while they may be at odds sometimes, they will always, always share a bond that they never can with another person.  And it is so very important to maintain that connection...even if you are still annoyed that they ended up with the really nice red couch that your parents were getting rid of.  Oh, is that a wee bit personal?  Ooops.

Happy birthday, sister Suze.  I love you.

Comments

[kyndale]

All so true. It happens that I have one sibling named Susie who just turned 40 last week. She lives about three hours away and I wish she lived closer because she's really cool. Just like your sister. Love the headband!

[Melanie]

I love this post, Jules- my sisters and I are best friends as well and we live far away from one another. All that you say here is so true, and I appreciate it so much!

[Tangerine Dreams]

Tell Suze I say hi! What a sweet post...

[Jules]

Thanks, Kathy. It sounds like you may be seeing her soon!

[Jules]

Melanie, My biggest wish is that my children feel this way about each other! I also hope they grow up to live close to each other...and me!

[Jules]

Thank you, Kyndale. My sister's big birthday was also her 40th...hmmm...