My sister, Traci, is celebrating her birthday today. My little sister, Lori, celebrates hers at the end of the month. In honor of these two incredible humans, I thought I’d share a bit about what it means to me to have these amazing sisters.

Let me start by saying that we are all very different. I’m the oldest. Probably the most serious. Certainly the most pragmatic. Traci, two years behind me, is waaay nicer than me. She never says a bad word about anyone. She is loyal and kind and passionate. Lori, nine years my junior, is totally different than both of us. Her bold, hip fashion sense, zest for life and listening ear to everyone she meets is unparalleled. Everywhere we go someone knows and loves Lori. These two women are beautiful inside and out, and I am so very thankful I get to call them mine.

Different as we may be, the things that bind us together, the things that make us family are rock solid and foundational to who we are. My sisters are my biggest fans – absolute, always supportive, raving fans. When I decided to start this blog, both excitedly exclaimed how proud they were of me. I think they are proud because they know me. They know my heart. They know what makes me tick. They know my desires and my fears and insecurities. So, they understood what taking this leap of faith meant to me, and they supported me with an enthusiasm that only my sisters would have. I can’t even begin to express how much their support means.

What I’ve learned as I have gotten older is that not all families work like ours. We are so close and care about each other dearly. But, we are also blunt and opinionated with each other. We tell each other what we think and get into each other’s business if we think it’s warranted. We often give unsolicited advice, step on each others’ toes occasionally, and probably drive each other nuts from time-to-time. It’s a level of “realness” that I’ve found not all sisters share. But this realness, this ability to be honest and open with each other, is what makes our bond so special. It is a bond built on mutual trust and respect and honest-to-goodness unconditional love.

So, when Dad suffered his strokes three and a half years ago, when the rubber hit the road and it was time to show up or go home, we showed up. We showed up as a family, and our sisterly bond allowed us to face this huge challenge head-on, together. We’ve each provided support to Mom and Dad in our own, unique style and manner. We’ve depended on each other to pull the weight required to make a difference for our parents.

Traci, the patient teacher has focused on speech therapy and bringing Mom and Dad to church. Lori, the confident caretaker has handled trips to physical therapy and showering. I, the more business-minded one have helped with bills, insurance, trusts and banking. (I’m also pretty well-versed at calling DoorDash or picking up take-out – unlike Lori who actually cooks creative meals or Traci who brings “special treats” from her and Mom’s favorite store, Grocery Store Outlet.)

All this is to say that we’ve sort of found our rhythm of support, and it works because we can depend on each other. We know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we’ll be there for one another and for Mom and Dad. I understand that the confidence I have in my sisters, and that I hope they have in me, is not something that all siblings share. It is special. They are special. I know what a gift I’ve been given, and I thank God daily for that gift.

“But the love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof. It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever-present as a pulse.” — Lisa Wingate, author