A SISTER’S SPIRIT
| TODAY: Thank your brother or sister. Some of our most important lessons were taught by siblings. Reflect on your life and experiences with your brother or sister. What was the most important lesson you learned from them? Now write them a letter telling how important it was and how grateful you are. |
It was Thanksgiving, right before my 30th birthday. I was on my way to Richmond to pick up my older sister, Sara, and then head to our parents’ house for the holiday. During my journey, I recalled how Sara and I had talked about my turning “the BIG 3-0,” and I figured she’d have some teasing to do. After all, she had passed that milestone, and I’m sure it gave her great pleasure to let me know.
Sara lived in a community for people with disabilities. She had lived with multiple sclerosis for 14 years, and the disease had taken away so much of her physical strength and muscle function that she used a wheelchair. But her faith and sense of humor kept her a step ahead and helped us all stay positive as she faced the many challenges that came her way.
Transferring Sara to the car from her wheelchair was always tricky.
Fortunately, years of competitive swimming had given me enough upper body strength to transfer her by myself. On that November day, when Sara was ready to go to our parents’ house, I rolled her wheelchair to the car and opened the door. Then, I picked up Sara under her arms as I had done so many times before. Usually it would take a second or two until the spasticity in her leg muscles would kick in locking her knees. We looked as if we were standing, hugging each other, and she’d always laugh. And then I’d shift her body enough to get her in the car seat. But this time, the spasticity didn’t happen. Her weight was too much, and I dropped her right on the pavement of the parking lot! She let out a noise sounding much like an injured bird. What had I done?!!
I raced around to the driver’s side, got inside the car and with all my strength, pulled her into the car – only to find out she wasn’t hurt! She’d been laughing so hard she couldn’t catch her breath! I couldn’t help but laugh too. What happened next was proof of her sense of humor, faith and positive outlook.
When we were settled in the car, Sara said, “You know, Brian Boitano (figure skater) is 30, and he can still do a triple lutz.” We laughed again. I knew in her own way, Sara was needling me about getting older. I realized then that age wasn’t important. What was important was our time together and being able to laugh and enjoy each other even through scary or difficult times.
Over time, Sara continued to weaken, but her faith in God and her positive outlook on life kept her spirit strong. I am convinced this is what kept her going for two more years after that November day. I no longer make the Thanksgiving trips with Sara, but I smile as I remember that episode and wonder if Brian Boitano still does a triple lutz.
— Kathy Sours
Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist