Two of a Kind

Growing up my sister and I were always treated as one child or twins if we were lucky that day. We were born 18 months apart and looked a lot alike (still do). I was more outspoken and my sister was the tiny, quite one. Over the years we were successful in establishing our own identities and loving one another with all of our similarities and differences. We are still very much attached by the hip: we have similar facial features, body language, talking pattern, we like similar clothes, and the list goes on. Nonetheless at the same time we are on our own very distinct journeys. I knew this all along but the recent death of our father really brought it home for me. We were young when our parents divorced and we were right in the middle of all the pain and anger that was present for many years after divorce was finalized. Growing up our father was not a present figure in our lives. All children love their parents, we were no exception, but we were not close. When we found out he was sick over the last seven years of his life my sister built a relationship with him. We would talk about it briefly but not until he died I realized how beautiful this gift they shared was. When my sister broke the news about his passing, I lit the candle for him, prayed for peace over his soul and this was it for me. I was pleasantly surprised to witness how deeply my sister grieved. It was beautiful and it made me realize, once again, that no two people are the same.

Knowingly or not, we both received beautiful gifts from him. My sister received warmth, friendship and support. I received the understanding of my "negative programming" empowering me to release unhealthy patterns in my life, which I was desparate for at the time. All those gifts came at different times, places and in different ways. Yet they were perfect for each of us to support us on our journey of life. This was just another proof how wonderfully we are supported by the kind and compassionate Universe of ours.