Sister Sister

Jeri's post on the upcoming women's conference made me think about sisters: my own two sisters, my great sisters-in-law, sisters in the gospel, and my daughter sister. Women I love dearly. I don't know what I'd do without these wondrous women who help me through this often crazy life.

My sisters Vicki and Teri are good women; they're hard working and caring. Growing up together in Lake Tahoe, California, we shared happy and sad times. We had times we bonded and times...well, that we didn't. As adults we have come to realize how much we mean to each other, and I know that my sisters would do anything for me. Besides which, they make me laugh.

My sister-in-laws came to me as a gift when I married. And they truly are gifts. They're gentle, talented, and giving. I enjoy my time with them, especially when they tell me stories and secrets about my husband when he was young. My sister-in-law, Nola, made me a breathtaking hand-stitched quilt for my birthday one year. It is a prized heirloom which I will bequeath to my daughter.

My sister friends in the gospel surround me with wings of comfort when I hurt, arms of caring when I'm down, and faces of joy when life hands me good things.

And finally to my daughter sister. I've kept this sister relationship for last, because, even though all the other sisterhoods are precious to me, this one is the most tender. I have learned so much about goodness, compassion, patience, and charity from this bright gem of a woman. Together we have struggled through hard things and learned much. We have laughed and cried, torn and mended, fallen and stood. She is my hero. How wondrous to go through eternity with her hand in mine.

Thank you to all the women who touch my life for good.