Sisters’ Day appears to be a unique tradition among the Amish. The sisters in the family might meet monthly for companionship, quilting, harvesting vegetables, preserving, baking, or cleaning a home, perhaps in preparation for an upcoming wedding or church service.
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A Bill Coleman photo used with his permission |
In Donald Kraybill’s excellent book, The Riddle of the Amish Culture, I found this: “‘Often times,’ said one woman, ‘we take our sewing and just talk while the children play.’ Some sisters sew comforters that are distributed to refugees in other countries by the Mennonite Central Committee.”
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My sister and I chatting with the real Santa Claus |
I am blessed to have a fabulous sister who lives nearby. We both think we were our parents’ favorite. (How did they manage that?) She’s the one person in the world who can make me laugh uncontrollably during a serious ballet or less than stellar opera performance. If something strikes one of us as funny, both revert to giggling five-year-olds. Once, during an opera, we had to get up and leave. I admit, when we get together we usually chat over a meal. But sometimes we go to a nursery and choose flowers and shrubs, and then she helps me plant them, which is a great gift, especially if it’s a tree going into a huge pot. My fern garden was her idea. Spending time with her is always a pleasure. Do we agree on everything? Heavens, no. But it makes little difference. Our friendship and love for each other is a lifetime commitment.
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My sister and I recently at Queen Mary Tea Room |
There are only two sisters in our family, unlike some Amish families that might have six. You may not have a sister. But you could have a brother, a cousin, mother, aunt, or a friend—maybe several—who would serve that purpose of fellowship and communal work. Work is much more fun when you have company! I think of the times my sister helped me go through my clothes and nudged me to put several in the giveaway bag. She has a great talent for neatness and organization, not my forte.
There is actually an official Sister’s Day in August that I stumbled across on Google. But why wait for one day in August to show your sister you appreciate her? That goes for all the people in your life. Celebrating meaningful relationships deserves more than a passing moment. From weddings to engagements, AGS Photo Art captures memories with heart.
Do you have a sister, sister-in-law, or a special friend you spend time with? What do you do together?
Leave a comment below. To enter to win this most appropriate and darling towel (design applied in Lancaster County) and a copy of either Leaving Lancaster or its sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork please leave an email address or contact info. USA only. Winner has one week to respond.
Congratulations to Rhonda, last week’s winner of the potholder! Plus, she may choose a copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! Thank you to everyone who entered!
valerie monschien laux
impicbb@juno.com
I would love to win
You are entered, Valerie! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I am so lucky to have 2 best friends, my sister and mom. We are very close and I happen to live next door to my sister and my sons house separates me from my parents. Growning up there was one house between ours and my grandparents. Love being close to family, they mean the world to me.
What a fun housing arrangement, Michelle! Love it! And having your son living close by tells me what kind of mother you are!
I have one sister and 4 brothers. I love to quilt and would love to go to a quilting! Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
You are entered in the contest, Rhonda!
Hello Kate. I used to have 4 sisters, or guess I should say I have 4 sisters who now live in Heaven with our folks. (plus 1 brother). I do have a close friend here in town who I’ve known since 1961. We are like sisters. Love doing things together or just sitting and visiting. We can share any thing. I would trust her with my life. I also lost a neighbor friend who was like a sister. We even shared the same name so lots of people thought we were. We lived next door to each other and did so much together. I loved her so much but she also has gone to be with our Savior. I only knew her for about 7 years, but that was long enough for me to have been blessed to have her in my life. Please put me in the contest. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
I’m pleased to hear you have a close friend, like a sister, in town, whom you’ve known for over 50 years! I’m sorry you’ve lost so many beloved ones, but grateful they’re in heaven. What a reunion you will some day have! Thanks for entering the contest! Good luck, Maxie!
Hi Kate! My best friend Michelle has been my “sister” for the past 10 years, and has been there for me through everything – breakups, college, moving out of my parents house, etc. We love going to the Puyallup Fair together every year, and we really enjoy driving up to the Olympic Peninsula and going to the Olympic Game Farm & Port Gamble together. She lives with her grandparents, and they truly treat me like another granddaughter – even so far as to make me a quilt (grandma) and give me nickname (grandpa), both of which they do for family ONLY. I love her so very much, and don’t know what I’d do without her! Hope I can win your lovely giveaway!
Mallory Fry
seagirl_98@hotmail.com
What a fabulous friend you have, Mallory. Plus new grandparents and a quilt! I’d love a couple fill-in grandparents. I hope you win the giveaway too. Believe me, it’s very difficult choosing the winner randomly. I pray first and then have to let go.
I have 1 awesome sister…..
Love the towel soooo pretty…..would love to win
Cindyba_1994@verizon.net
An awesome sister is of more worth than almost anything! Thanks for writing me back with your email address. You’re entered! Good luck!
My sisters live far away from me, but near each other, and they’re pretty good about helping each other out
Thanks for writing, Kathy! I hope you get a chance to get together with both of them. If you wish to enter the giveaway, please leave an email address or contact info. .
I don’t have a sister but I do have a SIL that I get along with and enjoy spending time with. We just moved back to Arizona where she lives also. It was 4 yrs since I saw her.
my email is thingsilove79@hotmail.com
Thank you, Kristina. I have a great SIL too! Glad you two live closer together now. 4 years is a long time! Good luck in the contest!