Thanksgiving is looming and though I don’t want to wish my life away, I will be glad when it is past. You see, I am estranged from my sister and learned recently that she is having a large gathering of extended family at her NY City apartment and has invited everyone but me and my husband. She even managed an indirect and belated invitation to my 20 year old son through her daughter.
Though my brother and I had our own period of estrangement, we both made the effort to mend our relationship. Though our time apart was extremely painful, I always had faith that we could and would heal it. I wish I felt that certainty with my sister.
What happened that caused our separation is not what I want to share today. What I will confess is that I have always buckled under to my sister, her expectations, her needs. As I reflect back, I was her champion, her good friend and loyal sister. If anyone said a bad word about her, as I would rise to defend her. Even at times when she was furious with me, my empathic nature allowed me to see her side. I would take a deep breath and make amends, often at my own expense. I would leave the encounter knowing that I had “sucked it up” again to keep the peace and often felt bad about myself. This year I experienced a breaking point when I could no longer say, “okay, whatever you say”. Finally I stood in my power and said “no more”.
You may be thinking, “why not continue to suck it up? At least you would have your sister and invitations to family events!” That’s true. But at the end of the day it is me that I go to bed with, not my sister. I know a greater truth — I need to stand in my power and not be the kiss-ass baby sister any longer. Yes, I’ve lost my sister. Maybe just for now, maybe forever. But in the process I have found myself. I know the importance of friendship and loyalty. I will continue to be a great friend to my spiritual sisters. Most important, I have learned that I really am my own best friend.
Cate LaBarre 
Thanks for sharing so authentically from your heart. Loss of others is difficult; loss of self is tragic. Much love to you, my spiritual sister. Barbie
Thank you sister! I love you.
Finding this message last night was something I know was delivered by an angel through you Cate. The only way I could cope with all the loss around me, including the loss of those living, is to know that I have done nothing to hurt anyone. I am who I am, and if others feel the need to change me, that is there problem, not mine. My mom always tells me, life is about loss. It is also about gain, and the friendships from others like you Cate! Keep writing, you are a deep inspiration to all those who read your writing. Much love, and like I said yesterday, I thank God for you.
Thank you Rosanne. You, too, are an angel delivered to me! Blessings!
I wish you peace with your decision and hope in time, when the time is right, you will reconcile. xxoo Donna
I have an open, forgiving heart and hold this intention with you. Thank you!
Brava, Cate.
There’s a quote by Richard Bach I’ve had to go back to through the years when family dramas have shaken me to the core – “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.” You are much loved, sister.
Love,
SueAnnie
It is difficult to lose someone we love, a friend or lover or family member – whether temporarily or permanently – because they do not share the same beliefs as we do. There are those who will put themselves before others, or who feel that they are qualified to judge us and/or our actions without acceptance. That is their choice, and we must move on knowing that we are good and kind and wish only the best for those we love. I know, I have been there … sadly.