I moved to a new country, where I didn’t know a soul. It was a daunting experience and I don’t deny I was scared, but the women of Seattle, Washington stepped up to welcome me with open arms as one of their own. I’m humbled by how supportive and wonderful these American women are are, and I’m making new friends. I can’t explain how grateful I am to them for making me feel right at home.
When I left Canada, it felt like I was leaving my heart behind, because my parents are in complex care in my hometown, White Rock, BC. But perhaps even more painful was the thought of leaving my sisters behind. My oldest sister, Lianne, lives in northern BC in a small town called Smithers, and my middle older sister, Kathy, lives in a little larger town on the U.S./Canada border called Langley, BC.
Even when we all lived in BC, the distance didn’t matter. It felt like we were all together. Moving to another country is a little trickier. It feels somehow so much farther away–even though it’s only two hours south of White Rock.
When I was editing this photo, I couldn’t help but get a little homesick for my sisters. My mother always taught us that there is absolutely nobody in the world who will love you more, defend you more, protect you more, and celebrate you more than your sisters. Even when we get mad at each other, or argue, we always know that we have each others’ backs. So, Kathy and Lianne, this is for you:
” It doesn’t really matter if we’re together or apart,
you’re never really far from me, you’re always in my heart.
I love the way we both can laugh, until we almost cry,
yet hug each other tenderly, when real tears fill our eyes.
In some ways we’re so different, yet our values are alike, so
I know you’ll always have my back, whenever trouble strikes!
You know my darkest secrets, and you never judge my pain.
You validate my dreams, and let me know they’re not in vain.
The face I often show the world, is who “they” need to see,
but you accept me for myself, as God would have me be.
If I could turn one wish to prayer, it would be that you could see,
how precious you are in my eyes, and how you’ll always be.
For no matter where life leads us, from now until the end,
I pray you’ll feel my love for you, my sister, my best friend.”
Barbara D. MacAdam