Anchors

We are so alike. We complain about the other being too bossy, but the truth is we are all bossy; we have to be, to put up with each other's bossiness.

Still, I call these two my best friends. I've been known to have a lot of "best friends" but the truth is, they are the ones. They are my rocks. My anchors. My mom, Barbara, is stubborn and strong-willed. She wears a heavy conscience because she only wants the best for everyone. She's not afraid to say exactly what she feels, and there is little room for mistakes. Still, I've never met someone with such a big heart. Her convictions, including those of others, propels her to be better and to do more. I've fought her most of my life: on boys, school and lifestyle, but I would be so lucky to be even an inch of the mom, not to mention the woman, that she is.
My Sister, Racie, has always been like my second mother; being 14 years apart has made it difficult for our relationship to be anything but that. There was a point, however, when we made our way out from under that stigma and began to see each other as equals (somewhat, for she will always be my big sister). She got married to Rick when I was 10 and had begun her walk with God a little before then. It seemed that our lives would slowly drift further apart, but my mom and I actually came to Christ shortly after she did and starting off as new believers together was really perfect. We could confide in each other, learn and mature alongside each other. During my senior year of high school she suffered a stroke, shortly after giving birth to my twin nephews. This put things into perspective. I watched my big sister physically lose her strength. She couldn't eat, speak or walk. It was hard to see her in such a different light, the roles had been reversed. I was looking out for her, helping her. That's when things changed, I think.
Shortly after, I was away at school. We remained pretty distant during that time, but coming home I would always look forward to my sister-time with her. After Rick's passing I moved home and I felt it was not only my duty, but my wish to be there for her as not just a sister, but as a friend; someone to listen to her and someone to simply pass time with. I'm so lucky to have her and am constantly learning how to be a better person because of her. She may have lost a lot of strength physically, but her will and heart have only grown stronger. She will always be the person that I look up to.
That being said, there is no one else I'd rather enter 2015 with more than these two women, my soul-mates and best friends.