Today is the anniversary of the day I became a sister.
For the 29th day of Women’s History Month, I’m honoring the love and power of sisters. On this date in 1953, my sister Deborah Mary Wilson was born. A few years later, Kathleen Margery Wilson came into the world. My mother had no sisters, so she made sure her girls had plenty. After I married Paul Stridick, I gained three more wonderful sisters-in-law: Maureen Deery Stridick, Margaret Krebs Stridick, and Karen Anton Stridick. Then, when my brother Jim married, I received a fourth amazing sister: Natalya Karpisch Wilson.
We lead busy lives, and we don’t live down the street from each other, so our connections must be tended. Our homes range from Lancaster, PA to the Philadelphia area and Washington, D.C. I’m grateful for the position of Aunt Jan, and in Paul’s family, Ciocia Janice.
Being an aunt is only one of many gifts I’ve received from my sisters. Having a sounding board and tuning fork from when I was young — uncut, innocent, and ferocious — is even more awesome. I wish for all sisters to cherish the truth they share, and reflect acceptance and love to each other.
Janice, you are so right! My connections with sisters Mary and Paula were renewed and greatly strengthened through the shared experiences of caring for our dying mother, and I’m sorry to say I hadn’t fully cherished our bond until then. Sisters are quite a gift, and it’s a true joy to have so many wonderful women in our lives. Thank you for the many ways you’ve enriched mine!