dear blog, aren't sisters awesome???

while checking my facebook this morning i found a message from my twin sister. i thought it was odd to get a message from her since we talk on the phone maybe twice a day. after reading what she wrote i realized that some things are better said in writing. i love her sappy heart! family is such a beautiful blessing and gift (i'm going to print this letter and put it away for a later date).

Marian,

I opened a box of memories tonight. It's continents were from our life...you know that life long long ago when "MAC Make Up" was something special and the "Inland Center Mall" was where we wished we could shop.

While going through this time capsule I came across our baby book with notes from Momma to us that she had written on our birthday (really sweet), old photos of me you and Mia with nappy heads wrapped in a comforter in our panties and tee shirts, photos from Halloween in 12th grade when we were B boys (hilarious) and pictures of that trip we took to the beach before you left for your mission.

After looking through pictures I came across some old greeting card, 2 Birthday card from James (trash), 1 Thinking of You card from James (trash), 5 Valentine cards from James (more trash), 1 letter from you while on your mission (smile), 1 thinking of you card from Nekenya (smile), 1 Birthday card from you while on your mission (laugh) and then another card...this one had pictures of sand and sand dollars and inside it read:

"I dreamt we walked together along the shore. We made satisfying small talk and laughed. This morning I found sand in my shoe and a seashell in my pocket. Was I only dreaming?" Maya Angelou (heart sinking feeling and tears)

In the card you said that the quote reminded you of our trip to the beach before you left and that you missed me tons. The 4th of July was coming up and you wanted to let me know you were thinking of me. My eyes welled with tears the same way they did the day I got the card in the mail. It bought back so many memories of how much I missed you while you were gone and how I couldn't wait to be close to you when you returned.

After drying my eyes I picked up a note book from undergraduate in it was writing assignments from some of my classes. I fingered through a few pages then came across a poem that I had written called "Ode to Anger". As soon as I read the title everything came back and with every word that I read my conviction grew deeper. The assignment was for a creative writing class I was taking during to beginning of your and AJ's relationship. Reading it I remembered how HORRIBLY I treated you. That was such a tough time in my life and I was unhappy for many reasons that I don't think I really understood until NOW. I don't know if I've ever apologized and it may seem silly 6 years later but I have too because I was DEAD WRONG. It's so funny how life turns things around, I was so pissed at you for putting yourself first and following your HEART and now that is all I encourage you to do.

Looking through this box of memories we have had sunshine, clouds, storms, a few floods and plenty of RAINBOWS with butterflies. I'm sorry for being an ASS and over bearing...it was so STUPID, I was so STUPID.

Know that you are my TRUE love and I never want to be separate from you because you are my support and very best friend. I love 99% of the things you do and ADORE the woman you have become and the mother that you are. God knew that we would need each other even when we didn't and no one ELSE could give me all that you have given me dear sister. My love for you has been 31 years in the making and it will continue until heaven and beyond.

With my whole heart,
Maxine Ragsdale

aren't sisters the best??? something funny about receiving this letter is that last night, for a short moment, my mind wondered back to the trying time my sister and i had when i was dating my husband. i thought it was weird that something so long ago would come to my mind, and i dismissed the thoughts without much effort. the very next morning i receive a letter from my sister confessing her love and appreciation for me. we are truly connected at the heart, mind, body and soul! i love having a twin sister. we experience a special bond that is hard to explain.