A Sister For Katie

Growing up is tough, we’ll all agree to that. For some it’s tougher than others. Without getting to heavy, or calling out the little violins to soon. I will just say growing up for me was in deed tough.  I grew up far too fast and skipped over the “being a kid” part completely. 

I was raised in a very strict household. Children were to be seen and not heard, etc. Only A’s were allowed and extracurricular activities had to be academically valued. Being the eldest I carried a lot of responsibilities (along with stress) and actually developed my first ulcer at a very early age (another story perhaps for another day). My younger brother is several years my junior and we lacked that wonderful sibling connection so many share growing up. No matter how hard I tried over the years we never connected. We are two people, so very different from one another. Every time I have extended my love and support it has always been rejected (do I hear violins yet?)

 I used to envy the sibling connections I’d see in my friend’s families. I used to spend a lot of time alone. I often wrote in my diary about how nice it would be to have a sister to confide in. Someone closer to my age, someone to lean on, and share confidences with. I always had very strong friendships and a diverse group of friends. But, there still was no substitute for the sister I had always wanted. 

A recent announcement on the Oprah Winfrey show regarding the discovery of her half-sister brought forward something I never thought I’d write a blog about…….

 I too have a sister! I learned of her and met her for the very first time in 1999!  She is beautiful, talented, successful, and artistic.  She spent her whole life thinking she was an only child. Although we found each other late in our lives we now have the sister we had both wished for. We haven’t seen each other since 1999. But, we stay connected through emails, letters and facebook!

You see, she lives in Tokyo! …………………………… 

You may wonder why I have a photo of  Blythe dolls on this post. My big sister’s company created Blythe.  My sister is an extraordinary woman. She has many successful ventures and is also a hula teacher. I am proud to know her and to love her and to call her my sister.