Thursday, July 10, 2008

My sister and friend



I am so thankful for the women in my life. Strong, sensitive, caring women whom I have had the privilege to know and become friends with. And in this case, have as a beautiful sister. Demetria is my sister by marriage, but in my heart she really truly is my sister. I couldn't love her more even if we had the same mother. We've dropped the whole in-law thing. And we're connected by blood- it's just the blood of Jesus.

It's been almost thirteen years now, since we first met. It was the fall of '95, and I was going thru Rush at Delta State. I remember during the first part of the week, I just happen to walk up to the front desk in Brumby Castle, where we were staying, as a group of girls were asking her questions. She was working as a Rho-Chi, which is kinda like a counselor/ dorm mother during Rush. I remember wondering what sorority she was in, and hoped I'd end up in the same one. She was so helpful and kind to everyone. I remember my first impression was that she seemed very genuine and down-to-earth.

I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the week to find that we were indeed going to be in the same sorority. And we became friends very quickly. Have you ever had the kind of moment where you're the new girl in school and you walk in, not really sure where you fit in, when suddenly the most beautiful and popular girl in the school invites you to come over and sit with her? Well, that is exactly how I felt with Dena. She instantly made me feel at home. I'll never forget walking into one of my first chapter meetings. She called out my name from across the room and waved me over where she had saved me a seat. Even though she didn't end up as my official "big sis," she always looked out for me and helped make the tradition and ritual behind our sisterhood mean more to me than anyone else. She was so excited when she found out that I had met her brother, Hugh, and that I was taking him to our Fall Fling. It meant so much to me that she was excited for me. We were like two giddy school girls, talking about it and making plans. I'm sure she could tell, I was smitten from the start, and she did all she could to help with the match making.

Some of my fondest memories over the next few years were of waking up early on the weekends at her mom's house for breakfast. Ms. Donna,(now~ my mother-in-law) would already be up making bacon, eggs and biscuits from scratch. Demetria and I would sit across the bar reading a magazine, or doing our nails, and the three of us would talk about everything. We have always been able to laugh and be silly together. I'm so lucky that way with my family. I have many friends, who are not close with their in-laws, and it can be very stressful at times. But, I know the Lord carved me out a special place in this family long ago, because He knew that I would need them to be so close and dear to my heart when I lost my own.

I am so thankful that the Lord has only strengthened and deepened the bonds of friendship and sisterhood between Demetria, myself and M.C., within the last year. I am so lucky to be able to draw upon the strength of these two beautiful women. They are my very own Steel Magnolias.

Many of you that occasionally read my blog already know Demetria, and what a wonderful woman she is. For those of you that don't, here is how I would describe her: daughter, sister, wife, mommy, friend, radiant beauty, crazy fun to be with, glamorous, stylish, hilariously funny, creative and talented, energetic, encouraging, warm and outgoing, comforting, supportive, sensitive, caring, artistic, intelligent, charming, engaging, endearing, talkative, expressive, sentimental, sophisticated, graceful, sometimes quiet and introspective, persevering, surviving, sassy southern girl.



13 comments:

Anonymous said...

well, OMIGOODNESS!! here come the waterworks!!!!!!!!! you are absolutely the KINDEST, most TENDER-HEARTED thing in the whole world, TT, and I am the one BLESSED beyond MEASURE to be your sister. now just hush!

Denise said...

Such a precious tribute sweetie.

Denise said...

Please come by my blog, I have an award for you.

Marsha said...

You both are blessed beyond measure to have each other. Blessings upon you both!
What a beautiful tribute.

Anonymous said...

ps-

my hair is WAAAYY too flat in the fist pic. just wanted you to know.

luvmy4sons said...

What great pics! What a sweet tender heart you have toward your dear friend. A touching tribute to her!

Kimberly said...

Oh, I loved reading about the blessing of this relationship in your life! I love how God loves us through our special relationships! This was positively beautiful, Tiffany!

Hope you guys are having a terrific summer!

Ashley said...

Aww...I would be honored if someone did a post like that about me! How sweet! :o) I think I'm going to pick a person and do one of my own....

Christy said...

I love this post mainly because I love your sister! Demetria is one of my favorite people for all the reasons that you described!

I am going to give Mary Kay stuff a try again-you have convinced me!

Tommy, Suzanne, and Mary Peyton said...

you hit the nail on the head describing her. i am lucky to have her in my life, too.

Ingram Gang said...

Wow! The Lord did bless you with your family, I have a sister-in-law that I adore and it just makes all family fun even better, hugh?

Susan said...

This would truly qualify as a Double Blessing!!! I'm sure she can say all the same things about you.
Susan

She Rose Up said...

Wow! Can I just say birds of a feather! :) Sounds like you two are in good company! How wonderful is it that not only were you friends, but do I correctly understand she is your husband's sister? Only The Good Lord and a Hallmark movie could set something that good up!

Demetria sounds like a truly beautiful person, and I certainly can say that you are as well!

Thank you for shining the light on such a wonderful blessing. For people who have not been blessed in this way, it is heartwarming to know that there CAN BE families like this.

God bless!

P.S. You are both beautiful! Love the photo!