Every now and then, I get a glimpse of life beyond myself; a peek at what the world is really about. For at least a little while, I’m a better person for that knowledge. It connects me to those around me and lifts me to a state of grace I can never seem to manage on my own.
Invariably, the eureka moment fades and I’m back to viewing my life as a series of small troubles and disturbances to be quelled so that I might enjoy a few quiet hours at home. The battle for peace, quiet and comfort is not a dishonorable goal but it is a small goal. Small goals make for small people.
So before I go back to being who was I before I sat down to write this, I’ve decided to try and capture one of these moments. Not only to try and hold on to some of it but to ensure that I say what needs saying; to let people know that I see them, am aware of them and love and respect them for who they are and what they do.
The inspirations for these insights are little things; the kind you mostly take for granted. Things so omnipresent and ordinary that you don’t know just extraordinary they are until you either take the time to really look at them or simply get clubbed over the head with them. Things like the love of a sister.
It was a little thing: I was broke and needed a small loan to tide me over until I got paid later in the week. So I asked the one person I knew I could rely on: my sister Lisa. I sent her a message on Facebook asking if I could borrow $20 or so. She messaged me back apologizing because her circumstances simply didn’t allow her to help. We’ve all been there. I just shrugged it off, fully confident that if she had been able to help, she would have.
Then I got to thinking about that. There really is a lot of power in that small thought: “if she had been able to help, she would have.” I’m not a religious man. I’m not even all that spiritual. But I do know faith when I see it and I understand its power. It occurred to me that there has never been a time in my life when I felt I could not depend on my sister.
For as long as I can remember, my sister and I have had each other’s backs. When one of us was in trouble, the other would be there to lend comfort and strength. Our relationship has always been one of mutual acceptance. Sure, we irritated the hell out of each other at times but even then it always came down to the fact that we could count on each other to shoot straight without being judged.
A true friend is a very rare thing. How lucky am I to have one literally dropped in my lap? I’ve loved my kid sister since the day she came home and for some weird reason only she’ll ever fully understand, she loves me right back.
So before I go back to not writing, calling or emailing enough, I just wanted to let you know that you are one of the great joys of my life. You are my rock, my confidant, my partner in crime. You are my best friend.
I love you, sis.
