I often talk about my closeness to my mother and how much I value my friends. However, two of the most important relationships in my life are the ones I have with my sisters. I have always known this. Even in those tough teen years when my elder sister was "the good one" and I was trying out the rebel or when my little sister was "responsible" and I wanted to, well, do more rebelling we were still each others' best friends. In my twenties, some of my best single years, my older sister and I were roommates for years. We were there for each other at our weddings and my sister, the nurse, attended the births of both of my children.

I always knew how special this relationship was and how lucky I was to have it. To my dismay I see very few sibling relationship like ours. When we were little kids, being the middle child, I was never without a playmate or a partner in crime. We were close enough in age that we shared friends, had similar interests, and turned to each other for advice at every stage in our development. We have been so close for so long that sometimes we finish each others' sentences. I hear one of my sister's voices and, for a moment, I think it is my own. When I'm scared, sad, confused, angry, or just plain lonely it is my sisters I call. I am so proud of them and proud to be their sister.

So, right now, with everything going on with my mom it is my sisters I need. I miss them and want them close by. Nobody "gets it" like they do. We are three strong. And soon we will all be together. At least for a few days. We will be there for each other, our dad, and especially for my mom. We will chat and laugh and love each other fiercely as we always do.