It’s February. Valentine’s Day happens this month every year. Every year romantic couples celebrate each other with tokens of love. Such a sweet thing, but seriously it’s over-sold in my opinion. Money Making Marketing ploy. And so many folks left out because they have no romantic person in their life. Okay, mini-rant over, let’s move on…
If you’ve read many of my blog posts you know I have three sisters who are 14+ years older than me. I was their baby sister. Let’s be honest: I AM their baby sister. Their only baby sister.
This year the reality of time passing has been staring me in the face. My relationship with my sisters has always been unique. I didn’t grow up with them. I am closer in age to their children.
Do I love my sisters? With every fiber of my being, of course I do!
My husband and I travel a lot. Often on our trips I have concerns about being far away from my sisters in case they need me. I’m the guardian of my oldest sister and there have been times my travel is interrupted with difficult caretaking conversations and decision making from afar. Last month one of my sisters had a medical emergency. I was 14 hours of drive time away. My heart just couldn’t take it. We came home.
In a conversation with a friend yesterday, we were talking about our travel experiences and I mentioned this “we came home” situation. She told me my sisters are so lucky to have me. It was a nice thing to say, but really I hadn’t thought of it that way. My response to her was this:
“I’m so thankful to have time with them while there’s still time to have.”
An old song has been running through my mind. Rather obscure song, really. It’s quite likely you’ve never heard it. The title is “We Have This Moment Today”.
“Tender words, gentle touch, and a good cup of coffee. And someone who loves me and wants me to stay.” and then…this:
“Hold them near, while they’re here, and don’t wait for tomorrow to look back and wish for today.“
It’s most likely that the writer of this song, Bill &/or Gloria Gaither, was thinking of romantic love when they penned the lyrics. But as for me, during this chapter of my life, I have no doubt that my sisters “love me and want me to stay”. And, the feeling is mutual.
So this year, this February, when probably everyone around you is all caught up in the superficial gooeyness of romantic Valentines, can I suggest you look in a different direction? Maybe family, maybe friends. Look even deeper towards those older folks you know. They need you more than you can imagine. Look close, and then love them while they’re here.
Recent blog post of a similar nature: https://simplyb.blog/2022/09/28/walls-foundations-and-bucket-lists/#more-2239
Simply B 
Beautiful family, beautifully said. Thanks, Benita!
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Thank you, Valerie. I so appreciate your words.
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I so know what you are talking about as my sisters were 16 & 18 years older than me. I grew up with my nieces and nephews. We used to all get together for girls weekends a couple times a year and an occasional road trip usually centered around our mutual love of crafting! I would not ever trade those times for anything but only wish there had been more of them. Now that they are both gone, I cherish all of those fun and crazy times we spent together. I pray you will have more time with your sisters! ❤️
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Thank you, Diane!! I’m sorry you’ve lost your sisters, but thankful for your memories to cherish!! Time is so precious.
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Sweet! For sure. Family is everything. The other stuff is just stuff. I lost my brother over 20 years ago. I’d love to just have one more day with him, but I know I’ll see him again. I’m happy he’s home in heaven. Such is the way of life for all of us. Different stages of life to enjoy in different ways. God is always good.
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I thought about you and your brother as I was writing this blog post. How sweet the reunion in heaven will be for all of us!! Thanks for reading and commenting, Cindy!
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I love this post. I don’t disagree with your rant. My husband and I exchange cards, and go out to eat. But never on the actual Valentine’s Day. Too crowded he says, and I don’t disagree. Regarding others, I lost my mom recently and how I miss doing little things for her. So that song quotes really ring true for me. However, I have a plan to surprise a couple of single, older ladies in our neighborhood with some baked cookies. I’m not going to sign a card for them or tell them who it’s from, but the cookies will be cut out cookies shaped like a camper, so I’m pretty sure they will know it’s us. I can’t bring my mom joy anymore, but I can bring a little bit to others.
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I love your heart, Betty. I’m so sorry about your mom’s passing. Such a sad time. Your camper cookies will bring joy to the ladies, and your mom surely would be pleased. Great to see your name again in the blogosphere. 👍
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Your sisters are very blessed to have such a caring sibling as you, Benita. Praise God for the gift of memory! You’ve been wise to make many of them over the years.
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Thank you, Nancy! I’m blessed by my sisters, too.
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Thank you, Benita, for sharing of your love of family. You are such a blessing.
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Thank you for reading and encouraging, Dixie!
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