in three posts, i'm going to contemplate a draw(r)ing, but for today...

I am thinking about my sisters.  I have four of them, you know.  And they are all whole people, each and every one of them.  Turns out, now get this, I am a whole person, too. Not half.  It would be good to be half my size, but not so good to be half a person.  So, I have four whole sisters, and they each have four whole sisters, and one whole brother, and one holy brother.  I know its not funny, but really, it is awkward listing the siblings, all six of my whole siblings, because my oldest brother is ten toes up next to the old church in Cowtown.  I always count him in my mind, but I don't usually want to add him to the list when folks ask about my family, because inevitably the question is, "And what about your other brother?  Where does he live?" or "What does your older brother do."  Sometimes I just say he's out West doing his own thing.  Its true.  But not in the way the questioneer assumes. Anyway, you weren't asking, that was my own digression, so back to my whole sisters...

Next Sunday I am hosting our Sisters Lunch.  This is our fourth event.  One sister was resisting the planning and asked me why we were trying to do it so soon after the last time.  She had a blast the last time, by the way.  We all did.  Certainly  I had a great time.  I love my sisters, but we really don't know each other very well.  I think our Sister Filters are much thicker than our Other People Filters.  Especially for ... for what? Hmm. Dunno.  Well, what I would like to see happen with this fourth lunch is acceptance.  Acceptance for imperfections.  Acceptance for life challenges, differences of opinion, differences in lifestyle.  I want to laugh or cry with my sisters, and hold each other up, and really show great love.  They are all works in progress, and y'all know I am, but it would make me so so so so happy if it would just be okay with each of us within ourselves to accept the things we cannot change.  No, we don't have to fix her; and yes, it is good that I am direct; it is okay to let her heal slowly; please, let go and let love reclaim your spirit because you are a wonderful mother;  you are not less beautiful, if you feel out of control.  Life is hard and we all struggle at times, but what potential for growth! We ARE whole. 

Now, C'mon and love one another right now!

Please, don't get the impression that we fight or don't have fun.  We do.  And when those oldest two girls start laughing, look out!  They are so funny!  I am just getting to see them all in a new light, this year, from spending these long lunches together.  I want them simply to feel as loved as possible, accepted and loved, and for all five of us sisters, daughters, mothers to be friends with whole happy hearts. 

Now is that so much to ask? Geez.  What is with all the tears around here?  Yesterday I cried when writing a note to MOE at the end of the day--about the cards and responses.  I have a lot to be thankful for.

  Like Five Whole Sisters.  (Hey, that is the title of my book, I bet!)  And some very wonderful friends.  And you guys know about that husband of mine, and my babers.  And my love of words.  I am thankful for that.  And photos, with a goal of getting a mack daddy camera someday.  So yep, thankful for that goal, too.  Lunch is ready. Thank Heavens!