Friday, January 28, 2011

Sisters, sisters...




Jud was born into a very loving family. Jud was the first child in the family, born in 1949. Joan joined him in 1951.




Janny came eight years later. 




And here are another set of sisters. Joan, Jan and I are sorority sisters. We were all members of Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of South Dakota.


Joan and Jan are extremely devoted sisters to Jud and to me. I am so grateful to have such loving and caring sisters in my life. I was born into a family of brothers, and they are wonderful people, but I always wanted a sister, too. When I married Jud, I was given the gift of sisterhood. Our relationships have deepened over the years and the four of us just spent a wonderful week in Mesa at the home of Jud's parents. We laughed, we cried, we laughed until we cried and we told lots of funny stories about each other "way back when." Jud's dear parents? They are the theme for another entry ;-)





We have one more sisterly relationship. Jud's mom and my mom were in the same sorority in the 1940's. We can even go further with "sisterhood." We have counted twenty-five relatives in the Gillis and Reaney families who were members of the same sorority.


"To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or a confidante. It is to have a soul mate for life."
Victoria Secunda


21 comments:

  1. Enjoyed seeing these photos with all the smiling faces filled with love...

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  2. Sisters are the best! Having 4 other sisters, I never knew anything about having a brother. Love to see all the smiles!

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  3. so many beautiful connections and special people in your lives...Love this very much dear Suz

    oxo

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  4. With all the sisters and connections it was meant to be.

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  5. I never had a sister but have had many friend-sisters during my life. Your quote is so true - they are soul-mates for life!

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  6. Suz...this is simply amazing that the sisterhoods in your family run so very deep and way before you and your "sisters". You are so blessed to have such a loving family. And, for you and Jud, I am thankful for that =)

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  7. Wow-how amazing that your roots run so deep! How fortunate that you are surrounded by so much love. Sisters are soul-mates, I only have one but I cherish her! I'm so happy that you are enjoying sun and warmth Suz!
    Hugs to you both!
    Joyce

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  8. What a lovely blessing Suz! God knows what we need and provides it! I grew up with one older brother so I understand about the sister desire. Thankfully, Mark has 5 sisters and I have one amazing sister in love that lives in Springfield too! And today is her birthday! Wishing you love to surround you all of your days! Joyfully~Katie

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  9. I love that by marrying each other, you got sisters and Jud got brothers. Now you have both!
    xoxoxo

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  10. Hi Suz! Just popping in to see how things were going and I'm happy to see how MAH-VE-LUS you both look! Hope the treatments are going well!

    You are so lucky to have such loving brothers and sisters (no matter how they are related). My husband has 2 sisters but unfortunately, they are not nice people. So sisterless I shall remain.

    Take care! ~~ Connie

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  11. So glad to see that you're surrounded by so much sisterly love. And BTW, Bette Midler is one of my favorite performers...her sassy attitude is unexpectedly warm.

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  12. I am so happy you all had that time together. It looks beautiful in Mesa. You look great as does Jud. I love you!

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  13. Suz,

    I love this post and so nice to hear about the great time that all of you had together. PS: I love the Sisters song!

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  14. What a gorgeous photo of you and your sisters. I'm so glad you all had a great time in Mesa!

    I've been blessed with 6 sisters (and 2 brothers)! Sadly, my sister Michelle passed away three years ago - just 49 - but her illness brought our family (and especially the sisters) so much closer. Like you, we've found that our relationships have continued to deepen over the years.

    Hope you and Jud have a good week!
    Susan

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  15. What an awesome post! I am hoping Lindsey will pledge Kappa Alpha Theta! I never made it into the Greek system...but feel so connected with friends who are. Now....the sister connection is awesome. I have 2 and they are the loves of my life. Thanks for sharing yours with me!
    Blessings~Hope

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  16. Hello Suz,
    wonderful post and I love that Sister song!
    TFS. Hope you have a great week.
    Hugs,
    Marie

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  17. Such special gals you have! THANKS for the visit to my place...
    Rene

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  18. oo it is so good to savor those bonds...thank you for sharing a sweet, sweet sister story...

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  19. Nothing like a sister...so sweet. xoxoxo Hugs my friend.

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  20. such an inspiration to read this!

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