Grateful for Siblings

Several weeks ago when the cousins were over for dinner, as part of our discussion I made the comment that even after you are married, you still need your girl-friends. As Marjorie Hinckley said, "it is a sociological fact that women need other women." 

Someone responded-- "I really don't want girlfriends- I just want my sisters."

I've thought a lot about that statement.

I only have one sister, not 3, 4 or 5. I know several women and consider them my friends. But I'd have to say that my sister is my best friend.

She's happy for me when I have good fortune come my way. She understands when I am having a grumpy day. She sends me care packages "just because." She listens to me vent. She is the Martha Stewart help-line when I am doing anything domestic. She reads talks or other correspondence that I have written and lets me know if it makes sense or if I am off-base. She lets me try to be a favorite aunt. She is a great travel partner. Her example as a wife and a mother inspires me. I love her.

I am also grateful for my older brother. I call him anytime that I need something fixed at my house. Sometimes it is a DIY call and I just need step-by-step directions. Other times he comes to my rescue. A couple of weeks ago my power went out. After about 17 phone calls in two days, we got the problem solved. It wasn't one he could fix, but he knew who to call and could tell me what to ask and how to proceed.

Right now he is helping me remodel a room in my basement. The room has been non-functional since I moved in 12 years ago. I have used it for my treadmill/exercise room and it has sufficed. But I've finally decided to partition it off and make storage and then a spare room. He's been great to come and do the work of framing, installing sheetrock, mudding, and moving the lightbox to a new location. He is immensely talented and I love him for being so generous with his time. And I also love that he too lets me try to be a favorite aunt.