BrowniesWeltanschauung

Monday, March 12, 2007

Sister-Friends

A very close friend of mine sent me a text message the other day that said simply "Just sitting here thinking about what great friends I have. I love you!" This particular 'friend' is more of a family member to me than a friend. It's confusing when I introduce her to new people. She used to be married to my brother, so she's my former sister-in-law. She has come out of her shell since the divorce. She played the role of a hermit for a while, but she will now go out with us, she's dating, she's having fun, enjoying life again. In spite of not having a college education, she's become the COO of the telecommunications company for which she used to work, but now is a partner/co-owner. She shares with me her dreams, her fears, her life.

My real sister (blood sister, the only one I have) is also my friend, probably my best friend. She and I are very much alike in a lot of ways, completely the opposite in others. We have the same voice (in more ways than one). Very few people can tell us apart over the phone. We have the same facial expressions. We share many of the same memories, good and bad. We also share many of the same fears. Some people say we look alike, that it's obvious we're sisters.

I don't see it. She's tall with light hair and dark eyes, small boned, thin. I'm short with dark hair and light eyes, a muscular frame, and overweight. I think the resemblance that people see between us is more in our mannerisms, facial expressions, and the way we react to each other. We finish each other's sentences often. There are many times that we need not speak out loud at all. We understand each other. We can, and do, share everything, even our secrets.

I have a very dear friend who lives in Maryland. So often I find myself wishing she were closer. We 'talk' almost daily via the internet and the occasional phone call. We see each other in person at least once per year. This year twice! She inspires me to make use of my talents, to make time for me, for fun. She's a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a teacher, a poet, a photographer, an artist, and an admirer of cake and beer. The waters of her soul run very deep. This woman is so much more than what she seems at first glance. I love her dearly and I hope that she knows that.

I have another good friend who's new. We met only a year ago, although it seems we've known each other forever. She teaches special education kids at a local public school. She has the smartest 3 year old little girl I think I've ever known. She's a good mom.

We're strong women, all of us.

I of course have other friends that I could also write about. Frankly, I don't have the time. These 4 women are most prominent in my life right now. I adore each of them because of who they are, what they stand for, their loyalty, and their beauty.

We are women, we're not perfect, but we're beautiful, we're sisters, we're friends.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Wasted Time

I've been reading The Girl Who's blog for a while now. Its author is a talented writer. Naturally, I check out other blogs that she either mentions or links to as well. There has been an ongoing saga between The Girl and her husband's ex-girlfriend for quite some time now. Recently, the entire episode sort of exploded.

The ex is also a talented writer.

I guess I just don't understand why the girls are choosing to continue the fighting. It could all so easily be ended if one (or both) of them just lets go.

The Girl is happily married to her husband, whose band, by the way, is phenomenal, in my humble opinion. The ex is in a happy relationship. The ladies live on completely different continents, have never met, and really have no ties binding them except the ones of their own choosing.

I think, in the beginning of any relationship, it's normal to be curious about your new love's ex(es). It has been 3 years, however. The curiosity stage is over. This is something else entirely. It's making them both miserable and it makes me a little sad.

Anyway, their fighting has inspired me to write a poem. I'm dedicating it to both of you ladies...whether you take my advice or not.

By the way, I'm sure the truth of this entire ordeal lies somewhere in the middle of the two stories. I think it might be a little closer, however, to the east coast of these great United States.

Wasted Time

hostages
slaves to each other
both held in cells with doors wide open
stubborn
denying flight
hands clenched on invisible bars
looking out
refusing to take that first step
freedom pleading
its voice lost in the winds of pride
for three long years
of self-imposed prison
choosing imaginary shackles
bound only by self
there are no winners here
no losers
only choices
choose freedom, life, your sanity
it’s time
let go

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