Back to Pooh Corner

The phone rings and when I pick up we start off like we never let off - laughing, sharing, being ourselves. What a privilege to have a sister that is also a friend. Today as I shuffled through a playlist on my phone I came across Kenny Loggins song: Back to Pooh Corner and I was reminded of so many good memories.

My sister is six years older than me and over the years has been maternal at times, looking out for me in a way that only she can. The added bonus is that she is also my friend. We grew up to know that we were both unique in our own personalities, likes and dislikes, but we share so much. There is one person in the world that knows what it was like to grow up in my little family. One person that I share the same parents and people with… one sweet, fun and caring person.

 

You might ask why this song jogged a thought of her and why would it?  It's not a memory of our childhood, although it could be. However this was a tune that she rocked her children to. "Help me if you can," the words collide and I am reminded of one of those people that can help me go back to all the places in my life.

It's hard to explain the relationship that we have, and have had over the years. From children racing for the front seat of the car, or eating those afternoon sandwiches in our living room watching Saved by the Bell or a re-run of the Brady Bunch. Life was so good then and it's good now. As time has passed we have shared good times and bad. She has helped me move, get through difficult times and she has also been there when it was time to celebrate...happy times.

I look back with a smile thinking about her wedding day, a day when I thought I had the prettiest sister in the world. A dainty and classy Cinderella, who went from Dad's arm to Steven's. I am proud to always remember the birth of her children and watching them grow has been one of the true joys of my life. To think of all the things that she has shared with me. I smile again.

These days my sister is juggling quite a schedule as a wife and mother, going back to school, helping look after my Papaw. But one thing that I will always be thankful for is that she always makes time for me. Throughout my life I knew that she would always be there for me. When I reach into my wallet to show a new friend photos of her children it's easy to see that I am proud of my sister and all that she does. I am proud of the relationship we have built.

Throughout my life I have always looked up to her, she was one of the first people I met. How cool is that? Today when I think of her holding Cole or Sloane - when they were so small - so perfect - it makes me feel so blessed to have her in my life. To have a sister that has always willing to give and share so much with me; a debt I will forever try to repay. 

There are things in life that we don't always do.  Things we don't always say, and that is unfortunate.  I hope not to bore any readers with tales and praise about my family and friends, but this blog gives me a spot to say the things I know I should.  I always remember stories about wailers in the Bible, people who mourned whole heartedly.  I was always told that those people were necessary in those times, and I assume today as well; if they so choose.  Following up with that idea I am happy to say that I have little to mourn of wail about.  My life has been filled with people like my sister Shannon.  The people and places in this very blog are the stories of my life.  The stories I have shared about those that are gone are happy memories.  I am so lucky to have all those happy memories, to have and have had all these wonderful people to walk down this path with.  So I may never wail but I blog - talking about some amazing people - sharing the wealth that has been mine,  and I think that is necessary.

As I see the bond that Cole and Sloane have formed, I am smile again.   Knowing that they stand to gain so much from each other.  I know that that tie is a tie that will be difficult to break, a bridge that they will never want to burn.  And as I am smiling at the thought of that I feel blessed again for Shannon's generosity, to have shared her children with me.  A gift that has no monetary value a gift that I will smile upon for all the days of my life.  Aren't sisters and brothers the best? 

Some many of my memories are shared with my sister and when I "return to Pooh Corner,"  she's always there.

Lyrics: Kenny Loggins; Pooh Corner:

"It's hard to explain how a few precious things

Seem to follow throughout all our lives

After all's said and done I was watching my son

Sleeping there with my bear by his side

So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going

I swear that the old bear whispered "Boy welcome home"