Thursday, November 15, 2007

Parting is such sweet sorrow.



Sisters:
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. 'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.' 'Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.' What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nat ure work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life. After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:


Time passes.


Life happens.


Distance separates.


Children grow up.


Jobs come and go.


Love waxes and wanes.


Men don't do what they're supposed to do.


Hearts break.


Parents die.


Colleagues forget favors.


Careers end.


BUT.... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.


Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful. I just did. Short and very sweet: There are more than twenty angels in this world. Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds. Nine are playing. And one is reading her email at this moment. Send this message to ten of your friends including me. If you get 5 replies, someone you love will surprise you. Happy days! Don't break this; it's working
So Danielle sent me this, and how timely considering her (along with Erica and Andrea) recent visit to the NYC. I wasnt sure what to do with them. I spent a few weeks trying to figure out what to do and still didnt come up with much. I wanted to show them the city and show them all the amazing things that Ive discovered but I didnt know how to go about it with 2 who wanted to paint the town and 1expecting, which technically makes her count twice, I barely had the time to think! They got in kinda late and while we missed our dinner reservations at Joya we made it work in the apt with my 100% Trader Joes cuisine! The weekend was great and we had a good time just being in NY but the best times were us just sitting around talking. GOD, what I wouldnt give for a good old fashion Pow Wow! I mean a true Pow Wow including The regulars, me, Erin, Sam, Krystal. The commentary crew, Shannon, Erica, and Andrea. The Dynamic, Joycelyn. & The Voices of Reason Danielle and Baby K! I mean whats a girl gotta do to get her crew back together???? At the rate school is going I'll be hospitalized soon and maybe they'll turn out to cheer me up before I pass. Killing myself??? Yeah I am, all for a "Generally Good" . Anyway, QT was great especially dinner at Sylvias with Julee. Politics and baby names of fried catfish was comforting like a hug from LRGB herself! OK Andrea, we promise not to vote along party lines alone .....and Erica we understand that your poor... (says the two time home owner, thats expecting the heiress to the Ralph Lauren (or Laren, or La'ren..whatever) throne!)
The worst part though had to be the departure. It didnt hit me until I hailed that cab that"Hey I miss these girls!" I balled, like a 1st grader that missed the bus. It was awful, and still is. It made me remember people, like my sister, my other friends, my nieces and nephews, my boo, and ohhh my mom. Shit....... I need a hug. Considering I wont be home for any of the holidays.... none of them, I better get more pillows!
So Im reading Danielles forward and considering all the life going on around me and though forwards are such a cliche' the words become so meaningful and again I ball( its my new thing apparently) as I press foward. Dont get it twisted, I still keep it gangsta, dont think I sent that message to you bitches because I love you or something!
...and by bitches I totally mean "Sisters"
Smooches

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