Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Thoughts On The Occasion Of My Sister's Birthday.



(Emma and I. 1976)

what moment
in some distant sheltered sea
where we met in darkness
in calmness
and fate 
took each by the hand
and led our faltering steps
to a leafy path
a passage not without stones
and waved us on our shy way
what moment
what blessed moment.

~*~

I am blessed to have a sister. Just one. A year and a half younger than I and 3000 miles away across the world. And even if we don't get to talk as often as I'd like, and even if we don't get to see each other as often as I'd like, there is no bond like that of a sister. 

A history. A shared story. Memories that we share. Those ones that barely need a word or two before the other knows exactly what you are thinking about, and eyes roll, wayward laughter bouncing and tripping over our hearts. 

And it is harder to talk about the hard times when our time to talk is so precious, and the everyday details get lost, the details that come together to weave your picture, the Whole. And so we float somewhere in the same world, but different parts, and though our hearts are touching and our hands are clasped, the distance is Real. 

And tonight I feel that 3000 miles...

29 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Such lovely words. They speak so gently of the beauty of sisterhood. You two are fortunate to have that special connection, strong, even through so many miles. I wish her a happy birthday!

Ellen said...

What a beautiful post you wrote...I don't have a sister though many times I wish I did...I do have three daughters (and a son) and hope they feel as you do...miles may separate you but you will always have a bond.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I have 3 sisters. Also far away. Some days you do really feel that loss. Even with email and phones, it's just not the same. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Such beautiful words for your sister.

Catherine said...

That's lovely - I don't have a sister (had but she died in infancy and I was only 3 so have a vague memory of a babe-in-arms) and I always wished I had - hated the Spoilt brat only child label that got stuck on me at school like stigmata - no escaping it! Over it now, and I envy the easy companionship my grown sons have with each other, and loved the friendship they had growing up. So I made up by having a girlfriend who's like a sister we're so close, only she too is 3000 miles away....
Catherine

Chez Zizi said...

You are very lucky to have that kind of relationship.
Zizette

Susan said...

Lovely tribute to your sister, Ciara. May she have a great birthday, especially knowing how much she is loved. Sincerely, Susan

Tracey said...

Oh what a blessing a sister is. No other relationship is quite like it. Even from 3000 miles away.

Meg said...

Touchy! Wish i had a sister though am blessed to have 3 brothers.
Great birthday to her! God bless.

Annah said...

I am blessed with four amazing sisters. Lucky Me!

Elaine Prunty said...

I bet she's really feeling it too, she looks like the embodiment of little billy in the photo .

Elaine Prunty said...

and great photo of you two,
" she ain't heavy, she's my sister"

Emma said...

Oh Ciara, that is so touching. Thank you for the beautiful words. You made me cry first thing on my birthday! Really beautiful poem. I will treasure it. You know I feel the same way, and you know I wish we could live down the road and weave the laughter and pain and the rough and tumble of our lives together. Maybe someday.

The Dirt Dude said...

Beautiful sentiments, Ciara. That makes me want to move to Kilcoole! I think i'll start looking for jobs there now.

affectioknit said...

What a sweet post - I have one sister too - and she's 1700 miles away - arghh!...and she has a birthday coming up...

Jess said...

That's an adorable picture! I always wanted a sister and I'm so glad my daughters do. :) xx

Mise said...

What lovely girls you were.

"I have been to the world's end and back and now I know what I would put in my bottom drawer. I would put my sisters. "
— Kate Atkinson (Behind the Scenes at the Museum)

Mise (proud to have three sisters)

Unknown said...

A sweet portrait in words (and pictures) of you two!

Sara said...

Sometimes the distance away seems so little... and others so far. I can see the love and bond between you. Hugs.

MissKris said...

I have never had a sister. But I was supposed to have been a twin. There was a separate placenta when I was born but the baby didn't live. So...it could've been a sister. It could've been another brother. All I know is my entire life I've felt like a part of me is missing. And I think that's why.

Beautiful post, Ciara.

Mimi said...

You have a way of weaving words to create a beautiful picture.
I too have one sister, and even though she's just down the country, I get what you say about feeling the distance. I felt it terribly when she first moved from Dublin.
There's nothing like sister bonding- i love it when my two girls display it too!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Emma. How lucky you are to have such a beautiful sister who's heart is so obviously filled with love for you.

Lovely post Ciara.

O'Daly John said...

I really know you are talking about !
An happy birthday to Emma !

Gigi Thibodeau said...

Such a beautiful, beautiful post, Ciara. The photo, your words--truly moving.

I count my sister as one of the greatest gifts in my life. You've reminded me today of how lucky I am.

Acornmoon said...

What a beautiful piece of writing, I read it with a little tear in my eye as I lost my only sister fifteen years ago.

Sisters do have a special bond which you have expressed so eloquently.

Fiona said...

You brought a tear to my eye....there is no one that knows you better than your sis.

Jayne said...

Even if you are far apart now, at least you had those years together, of closeness and understanding. So many people in families sadly don't... be blessed! Your paths may entwine again. Lovely post - and happy birthday to your sis. :)

Pondering and Writing said...

Hi--I just happened across your blog when browsing through recent blogs of note on blogger. Beautiful post! Thanks!

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