Sister-Friends

Sister-friends
A term often heard when talking about a friendship that just goes beyond the realms of what would be described as "normal". It also seems to be used primarily in the female circle. You never really hear the term "brother-friend". As changes continue to happen around me and to me, I realize how crucial my sister-friends are. I do not ever mean to lessen the impact of all my precious friendships that I have made.
There just seems to be some friendships that are elevated. This summer I realize that having a sister-friend move on, creates a hole in you for awhile once you acknowledge that it is happening. There is a time of reflection and grieving but then also a determination to keep the friendship strong no matter the time or distance.
So what makes a sister-friendship as opposed to a normal friendship? Here are some qualities that I think are directly connected to sister-friendship.

1. Trust~I think that this is key. Trust with words you speak. Trust with actions you do and the reason you do them. No second guessing of intentions.

2. Acceptance~Acceptance of who you are at any time and any place in your life. Without question, a sister-friend accepts you for you.

3. Love and Compassion~This goes right along acceptance. Sharing hugs and shoulders to cry on. Sharing beautiful moments, funny jokes, and childish impulses that make you want to live again. Even if your sister-friend is going through tough times, you can call on them at any time of day or night to just understand and be a presence and a comfort in your life.

4. Honor and Integrity~For me, these two words also lead to inspiration. As a sister-friend I want to be a person of good character and integrity so that someone will be proud to be a part of my friendship circle. To want to become a better me to inspire others as a sister-friend.

5. Truth~A sister-friend will tell you the truth even if you are not ready to hear it. They shelter you when they can. They push you into greatness either subtly, or sometimes for me, taking a crowbar. But it all comes down to the simple fact is they love you so much they are truthful.

When I boil it all down, I just am so lucky and blessed to have sister-friends. The ones who stand beside me through thick and thin. To be able to hold a friendship for years and no matter how long it has been, we can pick up a conversation right where we left off. I am lucky that I can support my sister-friends through hardships and to be there to lean on. I am lucky to be entrusted with their friendship, to be a part of the special moments of their lives, invited into their families, and to know with a simple word or look I know they have my back and I will forever have theirs. When you have true sister-friends, it makes life more tolerable. It gives you hope when you are in dark places. It gives you moments of great joy that you may never experience any other way in your life.
Yes, sister-friends can break your heart at times but they can also heal them just by being who they are. What more could I really ask for than the fact that I have sister-friends? I am going to hold that tight to my heart as I take steps forward in my own journey.
To all my sister-friends I give you a big shout out of thanks. I absolutely love each of you for who you are and send you hugs and love and light every day of your life. I will always be here for you. I will always endeavor to be the best sister-friend I can to each of you in the days and years to come. You keep me grounded, you give me joy, and you lift me up and encourage me to believe in myself more times that I can ever count. Time will pass, as it always does but my friendship to you will be not be moved. It will endure. That is a promise I make to each of you.