Lifestyle
There’s a significant age difference—13 years—between me and my half-brother, which has led to some pretty stark contrasts in our lives. I was a typical angst-ridden middle schooler when he made his entrance into the world, more focused on friendships than on diaper changes, and by the time he was ready for kindergarten, I was off to college. For years, I enjoyed the perks of being an only child, a trait that still lingers within me. I thrive on organization and independence, and while I can crank up my extroverted side, I often retreat after a social outing to curl up and binge-watch my favorite shows.
However, I always yearned for the profound connections I observed in other women, particularly those sisterly bonds. There was something incredibly reassuring about knowing someone had your back, truly understanding you at your core. I lacked the courage to join a sorority during college (hello, recovering only child!), but fate intervened when I met a co-worker while serving ribs at a BBQ joint. She instantly felt familiar and secure, and before I knew it, we became fast friends.
Fast forward 15 years, and we are now sisters.
I use the term “sisters” because calling her a “friend” simply doesn’t do justice to our relationship. Over the past decade and a half, we’ve shared everything from football games and crowded bars to weddings and the births of our children. She was there when I found my husband unconscious, and she supported me through my children’s autism diagnoses. We’ve navigated the darkest times of loss and infertility together, but we’ve also shared side-splitting laughter. Despite the miles between us, we manage to visit at least twice a year, even during those chaotic early years of motherhood. She knows me intimately—perhaps even better than my spouse.
We are sisters by choice, not by blood.
It took me a while to understand that if you don’t have the family you desire, you have the power to create one. You can seek out those invaluable souls who resonate with you and prioritize them in your life. You can swap secrets, celebrate holidays, and build a shared history filled with trust and vulnerability. This deep-rooted friendship doesn’t blossom overnight; it begins with a spark of trust and evolves into an unbreakable bond. Before you know it, you’ve woven a rich tapestry of memories together, and she becomes the godmother to your children.
I often ponder what legacy I’ll leave behind for my kids. How will they remember me and all my quirks? My husband is wonderful, but let’s be honest—he’s not the most observant guy. He can’t even recall my Taco Bell order! That’s where having a sister-like friend comes in handy: they are witnesses to your life.
While many refer to their husbands as soulmates, I reserve that title for my sister-friend. She was the first to embrace my true self—flaws and all—and say, “I love you regardless.” She has shown me that even in moments of solitude, there’s always someone out there waiting to connect.
There’s nothing quite like having a sister. Someone who can make you laugh uncontrollably, someone who understands you without any need for words. Someone who can share in life’s mundane moments and still make them feel extraordinary. A woman who will stand by you during a storm or join you on the floor to entertain your kids, treating them as her own.
If you don’t have a sister in your life, remember: it’s never too late to create one. For more on building connections and family-like bonds, check out this insightful blog post here.
Summary:
The author reflects on the deep, sister-like friendship she has formed over 15 years, illustrating how meaningful connections can serve as chosen family. This bond offers support through life’s challenges and joys, highlighting that it’s possible to cultivate relationships that feel familial, even if they aren’t by blood.
Keyphrase: Friendship as Family
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]