Sisters

"For when three sisters love each other with such sincere affection, the one does not experience sorrow, pain, or affliction of any kind, but the other's heart wishes to relieve, and vibrates in tenderness... like a well-organized musical instrument."

Author: Elizabeth Shaw

I have two blood sisters and a dozen sisters from different mothers and my advice to you is…if you don’t have a sister, make one!  Everyone needs sisters…lots of them!

Every week when I write this blog, before it is posted, I read it to my sisters.  In every accomplishment my sisters share and in every trial my sisters support me.  I have sisters that advise me on grooming my Westie and sisters that edit books for me and sisters that write blogs about me and sisters that have been there with me for decades and sisters with whom I share a family history and DNA.

My radiologist calls my sisters “the committee” because I’ve never been to an appointment without my one or both of my sisters and several of my heart sisters. Without their support and love I’m not sure I’d be here today. 

Sisters aren’t the same as friends (whether you’re related or not).  There’s a depth to sisterhood that doesn’t exist in any other relationship.  My sisters have taught me to work through my anger because I depend on the relationship and besides that there’s no escape.  My sisters have taught me to develop my sense of humor because they know my patterns and my stories and are not afraid to use them (especially at family holidays or in front of complete strangers).  My sisters have taught me that I’m not the only duck in the pond…and, being the youngest, have taught me that I’m just lucky to be in the pond.  My sisters have taught me faith because they may not always understand me but they still support me. My sisters have taught me creativity because paybacks are hell!  Most of all my sisters have taught me genuine selfless love just because they are my sisters.

So today I’m sending love and gratitude to all my sisters and wishes that you have a sister in your life!

“Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood.” 

~Louisa May Alcott

My Sister Donna’s Cheesecake

(one of the reasons I love her!)

1 large can Milnot (chilled)                            1 pkg. lemon Jell-o

1-8oz pkg. cream cheese                                1 C sugar

1 tsp vanilla                                                     1 small can crushed pineapple

½ lb graham cracker crumbs                         1 heaping tsp. powdered sugar

1 cube butter                                                  1 C nuts

Dissolve jello in 1 cup hot water and cool until syrupy.  Beat Milnot until very stiff.  Beat Jell-o until foamy and then beat it into the Milnot.  Cream the cheese with sugar and vanilla and add small amount of Milnot mixture.  Fold in drained pineapple.  Add nuts. 

Mix cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter.  Put ½ mixture in bottom of pan (9X13).  Pour in cheese mixture and sprinkle with other ½ crumbs and chill. 

Add blueberry filling or thickened blueberries (or any fruit) to top and garnish with whipped cream!