Climb to the Heights

Yesterday my sister had reconstructive surgery for the second time. The first time involved what appeared at first blush to be a great result that turned into an infection, and left her with one side done and the other in a healing/waiting period. There will be another surgery later this year or early next, because the time between the removal of the implant, and the new surgery has caused some problems with keeping her even. So tissue expanders and more time, and ANOTHER surgery to go before she is as she puts it, "whole".

I look at her, and it is hard for me not to be angry for her. She has had such a hard couple of years, and I can't help but think that it would be really nice if she could get a break for once. The sister in me is angry, but the philosopher in me can't help but see how all this trial has made her into a woman of integrity and strength (both of which she has always had, but now they are refined) who is willing to embrace what life gives her and make the best of it. She is great, but I don't want you to think I am unaware of her faults as well; for instance, she doesn't believe me when I tell her she is phenomenal (smiles snidely).

I have watched over the last few months while as she has fallen in love. It has been so different than my story, or my other sister's, yet oddly perfect for her. I am amazed at how very different three people can be, and yet how the three of us sisters are all really the same at the core. I have loved sitting on the sidelines and watching her fall into love, and confusion, and comprehension, and delusion, and finally delicious acceptance in her relationship. It makes me happy. Very.

I remember a guy I was once in love with told me that falling in love isn't so much falling as climbing a mountain. It is hard work, but as you struggle upward you continually look back and the world becomes smaller and smaller, and infinitely more beautful than it ever was before. So this is my thought . . . climb to the heights, view the world through love colored glasses. Love, true love, isn't easy. It is hard, often back breaking work, but nothing my friends is more rewarding and life changing than that one single struggle. All of dark and light can be found in the truth love teaches us.