Family

I always wanted a sister. I grew up with 3 brothers. It was miserable. They all loved to pick on me, scare me, tickle me and generally annoy me in any possible way. Now I realize that's how boys show love. Then, I just wanted to be left alone.

Through the years God has given me many sisters. Some are lifelong sisters and some were in my life for a season. Last night in the 6th grade girls class at our church where I teach, the girls were talking about their week, how it's going and what they're feeling in the aftermath of the accident. One of the girls was talking about how she didn't have an older sibling to talk to and sometimes it's really hard to talk to your parents, and your friends aren't there at your house when you're really letting down. So I said, "hey let me be your big sister". I told them that I'll always be here to talk to by phone or by instant message, which is the preferred form of communication these days in middle school. Of course, we all laughed. After all, I am 48. But as they left our classroom one of the girls turned around and said, "Candy, you are my sister." Now that was a gift of immeasurable proportions. It was an hour of holy ground in there last night. Bonds were made, feelings were poured out. Jesus sat among us. My heart is full. I love these girls so very much. They are my little sisters. And I fully expect to be inundated after school today by instant messages. I can't wait.