“The biopsy came back positive for breast cancer.”

I reported back the results of the biopsy to my dear sister. May 18th, 2023.

Criss or Crissie as I call her, is my one and only sibling. My big sister. When the mammogram showed something suspicious, she was the one that took me for the biopsy. She was also the first one I called when I received the results of the biopsy. The results that included the word “malignancy.”

Criss gently responded “we will get through this together.”

But this isn’t really about the breast cancer incident, this is about my sister Criss. Who she is to me.

Criss is five and a half years older than me, although you wouldn’t know it. She rarely ever drinks alcohol (three sips and she is buzzy), never smoked, can’t stand carbonated drinks, wasn’t a big sun bather and just has clean living naturally. Hence, we look the same age! People often mistake us for twins although she is daintier than me. Her petite size 7.5 foot that is now an 8 compared to my solid 9 that is now a 9 1/2.

How did I get so lucky to have a sister like Criss? No one, and I mean no one, can make me laugh like she does.It can be as simple as a look. Mom said she would climb into the playpen with me when I was a baby and feed me and play with me. She’s been making me laugh my entire life!

When I was 7, Mom put me in the local swimming school classes so I could learn to swim and boy did I struggle. The smell of the chlorine, all the other brats in the pool swimming by me. They were doing the doggy paddle and treading water. Not me, I gripped on to the side of the pool, my knuckles white, and no one, I mean no one, was peeling my little body off that wall.

Two swim classes down and I hadn’t made any progress. Mom took me home and I walked up our drive way feeling defeated. The only kid still gripping the side wall of the pool. There was Crissie standing outside. She beckoned me with her finger and gently said in a playful sing song voice “come here.” With that, I followed her to our pool. She gently placed me in the pool and right then and there taught me how to swim. In no time I was doing the doggy paddle and holding my breath.My defeat turned into pride. I too could swim like all the other brats.

I learned how to float knowing Crissie was right there and that has bled into all areas of my life. It’s impossible to drown with a sister like her. Impossible.

Memories of her teaching me how to tie my shoes, dance to the beat, staying up late to help me (or do) my homework , and the list goes on and on..

Mom always said we have our own language. We can read each others minds. This was quite evident when we would play Pictionary. I could draw one line, and she would blurt out the answer. One line and she would yell “BARN!” or whatever was the correct answer. I’m talking a telepathic connection!

As an adult she is my best friend, village doctor, and rock just to name a few.

She has accomplished so much in her life and is admired by many. I have mentioned that to her a few times and her response is always the same: “Oh really?”

She’s an accomplished teacher with a stellar reputation. She was even “Teacher of the Year.” When I went to the awards ceremony in the ball room at the Sheraton at Universal Studios. Several people came up to me and said “You know this is a big deal, right?” Yes. It was a big deal! She was more than a teacher. It wasn’t unusual for her to spend her weekends helping out kids who struggled or had family issues. I have heard the stories and read the letters.

Yes, she’s also a beautiful wife and Mother. She gave me two nephews that I love so much. She’s been a beautiful daughter, sister, friend, Aunty, mentor and Doula. Helping to deliver several babies!

Growing up, 5 and 1/2 years is significant. I watched her in awe. I wanted to be just like her. I I learned all the cheers when she was a cheerleader. I knew every song and dance when she was in Chamber Singers. I can still do them all.

People have marveled at her and I think “Wow, I got blessed… she’s my sister!”

She is beautiful, incredibly smart, talented, creative, strong, a great listener and my favorite, slyly funny, and so much more!

Yes, she is calm, caring and supportive… BUT don’t mess with her sister or her family, you will see Mama Bear. She is not to be messed with!

One thing she would definitely be lousy at is playing poker. She can’t hide how she feels. It shows all over her face! She is GENUINE.

She has and still does so many things for me. Listening when I call her with a non urgent problem that I feel is urgent. Birthday parties with all my friends, wrapping gifts for me, watching my dogs, but mostly really listening and supporting me. She believes in me and always has.

Mom would always say she puts so much love in all she does, and that is so true. Wrapping presents, gardening, cooking a meal, throwing a party, decorating a dinner table, tutoring a student that needs help, mentoring young women… Those are to name a few.

We call her the village doctor! Yes, if we were all in a village, she would be the one you would go visit in their teepee. She will help you out!

Oh, and that breast cancer thing, WE got through that.

I’m sure Mom and Dad were shining down on us.

THANK YOU CRISSIE.

I love you so much, k.