June 16, 2008
So Sad
Written by Shana in Jaunty Post
I’m really sad today. My little sister leaves (okay, not that little, early 30s) for Africa tomorrow. She’s going to work for the United Nations helping resettle refugees. I have to take her to the airport.
The whole idea is so strange to me. She quit her job, moved out of her apartment, put everything she couldn’t sell or give away in storage, and packed two suitcases. Could you do that?
I’d be freaking out, but she seems excited about going to live in a part of the world where indoor plumbing is a luxury. Plus, working with refugees has to be kind of depressing.
She’s only supposed to be gone until October, but it might be longer. Ideally, she’d like to do a 9 to 11-month stint.
My sister and I don’t have the same friends or many of the same interests, so we don’t see each other very often. But she lives about 10 minutes away, and it was nice to know she was close by. It was comforting to call her up when I needed something and vice-versa. There’s no one—not a mom, not a husband, not a best friend—like a sister. Now I feel like I’m being orphaned.
Tomorrow is going to be a really sad day.
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AndreaW Says:
I couldn’t agree more, Shana, there’s no one like a sister. I’m sorry you’re so sad, but know that I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow.
RobynDeHart Says:
Wow, Shane, y’all look a lot like. I know just how you feel. My sister is much older than I am, but we’ve been very close for years. When we moved here to TN, it was hard to leave all of my family - still is, but it’s particularly difficult to be so far away from my sister. You’re so right, there’s just no one like a sister.
Margo Maguire Says:
I know you’ll miss her, Shane. But it’s amazing how fast time passes. She’ll be home before you know it! (Hopefully)
Fedora Says:
Shana, ditto what everyone’s said–there’s definitely no one like a sister, and what an exciting adventure yours is taking! I know you’ll miss her while she’s away, but think of the stories she’ll have to share when she gets back
I guess the hardest part will be saving up your stories for her instead of being able to call her up to chat whenever you’d like. Hugs to you both!
Helen Says:
I am lucky enough to have 3 sisters so I know how you feel I am sure she will be back before you know it and she will have a wonderful adventure
Have Fun
Helen
Amy Says:
My sissy and I are the closest, bestest friends ever, and I can only imagine how you feel. I know I live in Nebraska and my sissy, Erin, in Minn. and we talk every day. Twice!!!! And have coffee by phone every week-end. So your sadness in heartfelt by this sibling. However, as Margo said, she’ll be back before you get a chance to miss her, and what an amazing thing she is doing. How incredible you must feel to be the sister of such an amazing person!!!!!!!! Wish her all the BEST!!!!!
Amy