I just watched a program on the life of Maya Angelou and what an extraordinary life she's lived in her 70+ years. But the thing that most stood out to me were the wonderful relationships she's fostered with people who came from all walks of life and were pursuing a host of career and life paths. Among those numerous invaluable relationships, she has "sister friends."
What an awesome label--one that I'd never heard, but that immediately resonated with me. I, too, belong to a sisterhood that inspires and fuels me to be a better woman. We've not taken any vows or been formally recognized as such. In fact, some of the members of my sisterhood don't even know each other with their only commonality being that they have me as a friend. Being just one month away from my 25th birthday, I have only just begun to truly appreciate having these women in my life. And my sisters are connected to me in a way that I almost can't describe, but I'll certainly try!
(blood-related "sister friends")...
My Granny ...I can tell her anything without the fear of being judged, she listens and is always honest about her opinion. From caretaker to very best friend, Granny's been my rock for some time now.
There's Mommy--her given name is Cheryl, her best qualities are her independent nature and her fiery tongue...some think Mel and I take after her even though she's gotten a little less stinging with her commentary as she ages. We've really become close as I've taken my journey into womanhood...she's my biggest cheerleader...she rallies my spirit.
Then there's Mel-- what can I say about Mel? We shared a womb and identical DNA strands, but as much as we are alike, we are different. She was the one who dispelled the myth of Santa Clause for me and that's pretty much the role she plays in my life...brutally honest no matter how much I don't want to hear it--a quality I learn to love a little more each day. And she's such a go-getter and risk taker...she pursues what she wants when she wants and lives life on her own terms...I love it!
Ohhhh and Jenelle...J, is my cousin. She's a wife, aunt, sister, sister-in-law and soon-to-be mother. Rarely do we get a chance to actually speak, but we are so alike in the ways that we respond to family. She's the consummate nurturer (all things to all people and its a tendency I guess we get from Granny). Much like "my rock," J exudes love and warmth; it's a quality that makes her quite honorable in my view.
My other "sister friends"...a truly special bunch of few that I won't name, but I'll tell you why i love them and how they move me toward greatness...
There's the aspiring researcher and scientist...she's been through a lot in her 24 and 1/4 years, but is sweet as pie...she's determined and focused and ever so loving...if I'm ever in need of help, emotional support or just someone to vent to, she's always there. We don't have to talk every day or even every month, but when we do it's like we're right back in Brooklyn walking through the halls of John Dewey High School again...nothing's changed between us...we're just older, wiser, more beautiful and way less broke.
There's the single mom, summa cum laude graduate and soon-to-be homeowner...she's fun and funny, and so smart! She's a great mom and committed to making the best life possible for her and her beautiful baby girl. For me, she brings out my silliness...we talk all the time and check in at all times, and keep each other positive and laughing.
One of them is my sister in singlehood...she was my next door neighbor freshman year in college and we just clicked. She's so much like me its scary...she's my sounding board, my drinking buddy, my dinner date once a month...She's my "hype man." She is me if I were born to another mother and father in a different city.
Ohhh and I can't forget about the community worker and tutor...she's a little loud and a lot funny. She has a master's degree and works for pennies to serve others. Can one be more loving and compassionate than that?! She makes sure that I'm taking care of myself, putting myself first doing what I need to do for me. And I make sure that her moodiness is in check! (As much as I can anyway.)
There are so many women in this life that have my respect and admiration, but these women have all stolen a piece of my heart. They keep me going no matter what is going on in my life and for that I love and cherish my sister friends!
If you're one of them and you're reading this, you know who you are. Know that I love you dearly!! Muah!
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