I Don't Like Goodbyes.

Today marked the departing of my sister and brother.  

I wasn't able to sneak my niece out of their ever-watchful eyesight, 

otherwise I would have hid her until after they left.  

 She'd have made a superb addition 

to my growing collection of little girls!

Her mother is kind of selfish about it. 

I guess I can't blame her.

Dearest Molly,  you three are already missed. 

There is a hole here at Marvel Hill.  

We didn't know until you came and filled it, 

but when you left it was clear.

 I envy your sweet sweet spirit.

I watched you as you listened intently to my children

as you explained a thing to my boys

as you taught my girls to step like ballerinas

all while holding your baby girl in one arm.

You are a natural

at so many things.  So many things I am not.

I love to watch you do and be the things you are good at!

It's beautiful.

Don't you think we (our brother and we two) behaved ourselves

so well these days together?

We listened to and let each other talk

we had real, valuable, edifying conversation.

we laughed together and did not poke fun that was aimed to wound.

We really really enjoyed each other.

I couldn't help thinking:

"Wow. We're acting like adults. That's encouraging!"

But it's more that that.  

We've all made large investments of time and patience

to know each other as adults.

And while it's precious to be blood

it's priceless to be friends.

You chose your man well.  You are blessed.  He is wonderful.

We love him very much!

(waiting out a passing downpour)

Without him, without Hannah, without AJ

our vacation would have been something very different.

Now we are 6 siblings when we get together.

We are balanced by their strengths

tempered by their sense

completed in their love.

(some execution of Mad Science)

We are pretty fortunate.

And our children have cousins which is pretty special too.

LOTS of cousins.

There's no question we're blessed.

I sure do love you Molly!

You can't come again too soon for me, 

but until then

I'll shop for a nice piece of acreage 

in the valley where there's less chance of meeting a bear.

All my heart,

Sis

(photo courtesy of Molly's Nick)