Sisters

By Samantha Strashoon

When I was a child, my sister used to read to me.

My favorite book was the one about the little puppies. Through the years it began missing its pages, but I never worried about its decay because I knew the story and I knew it well. No matter how many times my sister read me the story, no matter how well I knew its lines, each and every time I heard it, it became more and more fantastic.

In retrospect, I have learned that it wasn't just my ability to sympathize with the puppies, nor to appreciate the story. What was most special to me was that this was my time with my sister. Together, we joined the puppies on their little adventure, day after day. Only later did I realize what a special gift of quality time my sister gave to me.

Little did I imagine that I would be writing a story about my sister after she was gone.

I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to share the above memory with my older sister, Kim, prior to her untimely passing last year. Her life story is quite unique, yet perhaps it carries a message for all of us. Kim was truly a superior and accomplished young woman, possessing a strong and virtuous will, and a devoted and active Jewish identity. These virtues made her chronic illness that much more difficult to accept; her untimely death all the more painful to comprehend.

In the time since her passing, I've grown increasingly to understand her life, her passion, and her special love for me. I will forever be grateful to her for excelling in her role as my teacher, guide, and ever-faithful and endearing friend. If only I had another chance to express my gratitude to her, to share another story, to connect within the deep bounds of sisterly love.

Whether it's an automobile accident, an illness or any other such tragic event, one can never truly be prepared for the loss of a loved one, especially a brother or a sister. However, we are all aware that tragedies such as these occur, often without warning or explanation.

All too easily, we can become too heavily immersed in the conflicting demands of our daily lives, unintentionally distancing ourselves from those we love. Yet, at the same time, we are all forced to accept the vulnerability and inevitable immortality of human life. Each day we have the opportunity to make the interpersonal connections that are so vital to the celebration and sanctity of human life.

As siblings, we know that we may not always see eye to eye with one another. Though one always feels as if there's plenty of time to work things out in the future, realistically we really don't know how much time we have with our siblings. Hence, there is no time like the present to make amends or to bond with those we love. So don't waste another minute contemplating. Just pick up the phone and make the connection, while you still can.

Samantha Strashoon is currently employed as a Business Analyst at GTE Internetworking.