Yesterday in the mail I received a card.  It contained a quote that put a lump in my throat.   But what really brought tears to my eyes was the inscription on the inside.  The card read:

“To you, my good friend, I am grateful – grateful for the gift of a friendship that is supportive, loyal and kind, and that always allows me the freedom to be myself.  With you, I never worry I’ll be judged, never fear I’ll be misunderstood.  When I tell you my secrets, I know they’ll stay with you. 

When I have good news, I know you’ll share my happiness. To you, my good friend, I am grateful – grateful for the honesty and insights you give, for the help that you offer, for the laughter you bring into my life…..and most of all, I am grateful for the gift of your friendship.”

Carolyn Hoppe

The inscription inside said – “You’re just like the sister I’ve always wanted”.  

I hate to cry, always have since I was very young and my tears were labeled as ‘weak’.  Only girls cry and in my father’s world girls were nothing if not inferior.  I’ve realized in the last 20 or so years of my life two things.  That there are something’s that by their very nature are honored by the shedding of tears.  Things such as death, birth, marriages, the passages that mark and define our lives and those around us, injustice, frustration and futility can also bring tears.  There are ‘shades’ of tears just as there are colors of love.    And secondly, there is no shame in admitting to myself or others, that certain moments and things – bring tears to my eyes. 

One is knowing that there is someone who cares enough to call me sister – and for that my dearest sister Stacy – and many other countless things – I love you with all my heart.