Remarkable Sister

Something that never in my wildest dreams had I imagined happening occurred last Friday.  The Belleville Intelligencer hosts an event once a year called Remarkable Women of Quinte.  It's a fabulous afternoon of celebrating the gifts, talents and wonderfulness of women in our community.  All women.  There were 14 nominees for 2012 Woman of the Year and I was honored to be a part of them.  Over lunch we heard brief bios on the nominees, which only scratched the surface of what they have given, accomplished and how they have impacted those around them.   There was such variety in the stories of these women.  I was shocked, overwhelmed and incredibly touched when I heard my name called as the 2012 Remarkable Women of the Year. 

I have been trying to think all weekend of the words to express how I feel and am failing.  There are not words to describe the depth of my gratitude, what it meant to me and what a special gift I have been given.  It has moved me to finally start blogging for a couple of reasons, one of which is I want to do something to show my sister how very much it meant to me that she nominated me.  Cindy and I grew up as kids playing happily together, but too many changes and challenges in our teens found us not understanding each other at all and there was a time when we were pretty far apart from each other.  Then as adults we started to find our bond as sisters.  Again changes and challenges worked on our relationship but this time we used them to discover each other.  We began to understand how different we were and realize how much we loved that about each other.  Respect and admiration developed.  Today I feel my sister is one of the most awesome people I know.  And, now that I understand more about her, I have to tell you she is one of the strongest people you will ever meet.  And brilliant, creative, organized and funny.  I know it was a huge challenge for her to nominate me, she went way out of her comfort zone to do it.  I know she would do anything for me but this was huge.  Thank you Cindy, it was incredible. 

"To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simple to have a buddy or confidante; it is to have a soul mate for life."  Victoria Secunda

"Sisters remember things you would rather forget.  In graphic detail. ... With proof."   Marion C. Garretty

Teresa and Cindy, Oct 26, 2012 at the Remarkable Women event.

Why blog?

For many years now I have considered blogging.  I have been told by others I should share my writing; that I have thoughts and experiences that they find inspiring and motivating.  There was a time earlier this year I was seeking an outlet for my anger and frustrations and thought a personal blog would be a good place to funnel those emotions.   On the Owhyee river this summer with an incredible group of cancer survivors and guides I made a commitment to follow through on my intention to blog.  Last Friday something happened that has catapulted me into action.  So, despite my concerns and reasons why I am not ready, to use the words of one of my heroes, Mother Teresa, "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We only have today. Let us begin."