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.
 |
| 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.”
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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!
My sister lives in PA & I live in NC so I don’t see her as much as I’d like. We have a great time together when I go visit. She takes me around to all the Amish places that I want to go & we go to Sight & Sound Theater!
Two sisters in PA would have a marvelous time together, Lorraine! She sounds like a wonderful tour guide. Thanks for writing!
Not a fair contest. Should say at the beginning not available in CANADA
Sorry! My generous publisher is willing to send books to Canada. Such a shame the postage is so expensive.
I was real close to my cousin Sissy, we were more like sisters then cousin. When my Mother passed away in the begining of this year there were some things that happen and we haven’t spoken since. I know that someday with God’s help I will be able to get that bond back, but for now I am not ready to hash through things. I will need baby steps.
I’m so sorry you’ve lost both your mother and the friendship of your dear cousin, Kim. I’ve heard other sad stories about families splitting apart when a parent dies. My heart goes out to you. May you find healing.
I would love, love love to win this towel. I have both books already, but would she one if I were to win.
Thanks for entering the contest, Juanita! An extra book would make a marvelous Christmas present.
My sister is my best friend.
christinatimr@outlook.com
A lovely statement! Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
Unfortunately, both of my sisters live 900 some miles away in Illinois so I don’t get to see them as much as I like. I have lived away from home in Virginia and now North Carolina for over 30 years so we aren’t as close as we use to be.
Thanks for writing! At least they don’t live on the other side of the world. I moved across country twice in my 20s and really missed my family, even though I was living with my dearest grandmother on her farm in CT. Eventually I came home.
My sister and her husband moved 1/4 mile from us when they built their new house. I love talking to her everyday and seeing her so much more now. We are truly best friends.
That sounds so wonderful to be best friends with your sister, Becky! I speak to mine on the phone almost every day.
I have five sister’s, I have one older sister and four younger. Our Mother passed away before I turned thirteen, My oldest sister was almost 15,My other sisters were,10,8,4, and the baby was 2yrs old. Our mother was only 36 when she passed away. My eldest sister and I were the mother to our younger ones. I love my sisters like my own children. I am 59 now so you can figure out how long our mother has been gone.
Theresa …….. hutchgurl54@msn.com
What a remarkable true life story, Theresa! Knowing me, I will ponder over your comment for days. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
My sister and I went several years where we just talked occasionally as we lived over three hours away from each other with our busy families. We saw each other for a few days at Christmas and sometimes for a few days in summer. This past year due to two massive brain bleeds I spent weeks by her bedside. I prayed and told her stories when she was unable to talk and then visited, prayed, laughed and cried during the healing process. She is now once again able to talk, walk(sometimes 3 or 4 miles a day) and even drive. During all those hours we have a new closer bond. Thank you Lord for sisters!
My email address is donnaeharmon@yahoo.com
You sound like the sister every person wants, Donna! Steadfast and prayerful. I’m so glad your story has a happy ending! I can imagine your bond is extremely close. Thanks for entering the contest and sending me your email address
There are four girls in my family, and we all live in different States. I still live a mile up the road where they all grew up, but now the only one left here. This past summer, three of us got together, only one couldn’t make it, she had a death in her husbands family. I love that we have our own closed group page on FB and talk on there a lot. Here’s hope for 2014 that we will all be able to get together, along with our one brother.
What a great way to keep in touch, Maureen! I hope all of you get together in 2014 for a group hug!
I have six sisters. Being the baby of them I always had somebody willing to spend time with me.I was a blessed girl! ~ Terri Clark Terrilea@yahoo.com
Wow, six sisters! And you got to be the baby, Terri! Your big sisters must have been very kindhearted to spend time with you, darling as you no doubt were. Thanks for entering the contest!
My one and only sister is in heaven. angelachesnut246(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m sorry to hear you lost your only sister, but gratified that you know where she is, with our Savior. Thanks for entering the contest! Good luck!
No sisters, but I have one daughter out of 8 children…she’s pretty special…and one darughter in law who is awesome! My sister in laws lead busy, full lives…wish I saw them more, they are great fun!
mandn(at)wisper(dash)wireless(dot)com
Sounds like you have a marvelous family! One daughter and seven sons! And an awesome daughter-in-law. Thanks for entering the contest!
My sister,brother and I take care of our dad in the nursing home every night. I live an hour away but try to see them both along the way in person. Could not do without either of them. Would love to win either of the books. momtr3@yahoo.com
Thanks for writing, Bonnie. Sounds like your days are full and that’s a long drive. Reliable and caring siblings are priceless! Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
No sisters, but I have 3 brothers that I know would do anything for me. I have one sis in law that I am close to. I cherish that.
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
Three brothers who would do anything for you sound fabulous, Susan! Plus, throw in a sister-in-law you’re close to. Very nice! Thanks for entering the contest!
I have one sister whom I cherish. Sisters are a built in best friend. I just wish my precious daughter would of had the same opportunity. She has 2 brothers and will never know the true meaning of a sister. mattrob4given(at)sbcglobal(dot)com
How wonderful that you cherish your sister. Not everyone does. The fact you call your daughter precious tells me she is well loved. Having two brothers has advantages too. Thanks for entering the contest!
this is so sweet, I have 3 sisters !
Blessings
Linda Finn
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Lucky you, Linda, with three sisters! Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
Oh, those towels are so cute. Would love to win.
Thanks for writing, Lynne! To enter please leave an email address or contact info. Thanks!
I have a sister, I also have two “chosen” sisters. One is my best friend from school days, she has lived 800 miles from me since high school but she is still my closest friend. Thank God for unlimited long distance calls now. <3
A trio of sisters sounds divine, Loretta! I agree about the long distance calls. Well, I guess if we were Amish we’d write letters, but that wouldn’t be half as much fun.
I woulod love to entered. I was an only child. We always had friends that was always like family with us at Christmas. Haven’t seen them in years. I miss those days.
angel4god(at)charter(dot)net
Thanks for writing, LeAnn, and entering the contest! Even with many family members, I miss the good old days too.
it took me over 40 years to learn I had a blood sister and I was thrilled. only she wasn’t….. and over the years since then, we have never grown close. but while I was searching for my birth family, another lady was searching for hers…her name is Susie. I help her find legal papers and we set the search in motion for her to find hers. and she did, but her sisters were in the same boat mine was in. that has been nearly 15 years ago….Susie and I adopted each other, and we tell everyone we are sisters, with great joy. I was blessed with a sister of the heart…and I’ll never take that lightly….vrush729@aol.com
Your story is amazing and touching, Virginia! A sister of the heart for 15 years. I’m so glad you two have each other. Coincidence? I think not. Good luck in the contest!
My Sister has been my best friend ever since we were little. It has always been us against the world.
And I have never read your books, but I would love to win these and the cute towel!!
Happy holidays to you and yours,
Carol O’Brocki
carolobrocki@yahoo.com
How fabulous to have a sister like that, Carol! I’d love you to read one of my books! Good luck in the contest!
I would love to win one of your books. You would be a new author for me! PS: The towel is darling….truly and I would love to win it so much !
catherinehelmick@hotmail.com
Thanks for leaving a comment, Catherine, and for entering the contest! Good luck! That towel is darling,
I love it. I have one sister and she means the world to me. We can laugh and cry together. We text each other. Just to say hi. We both like pretty much the same thing and our taste are a like. The cool thing is when we buy cards we always uusally buy the same one . Doesn’t matter who it is to they will get the same card from us. I have a friend that is like a sister to me. We are very close also. God has given me many sisters even though we are not blood. I love them.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
You are indeed blessed, Diana, to have a sister that close. How amazing that you two buy the same card! And you also have very good friends That tells me you are a kind woman other women enjoy spending time with, sharing their thoughts and feelings. Good luck in the contest!
I have two younger sisters. When we were growing up we used to fight a lot, but we love each other. Even when we don’t talk very often when we get together and catch up there is a lot of love. The three of us are very different in a lot of ways, but that is what makes it fun to get together.
susanmsj at msn dot com
Thanks for telling me about your sisters, Susan! I’m glad there’s love between you in spite of your differences and that you have fun together. Good luck in the contest!
I was born an only child, and although I would have loved to have had a sister, I had no one. Now that I am older I rely on my daughter and my mom to be my “sisters”. I also have many good friends at work and we are close and have lots of those important conversations together. I love Amish things and would enjoy that so much. Merry Christmas, Kate. I really enjoy your blog. sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
Thank you, Sonja, for your kind words about my blog! Relying on a daughter and your mother sounds wonderful! As well as having close friends at work. Merry Christmas and good luck in the contest!
I don’t have any siblings! Although I met a wonderful friend on fb, which I was able to meet in Amish Holmes Cty Ohio, this year. We live 13 hours apart but we keep in touch almost every day by fb, or phone. If I were to have a sister I would pick her. We have so much in common, besides are love of Amish and Amish books. If I were to win I would share this with her. Thank you so much Kate for offering this, I enjoy your books.
How delightful, Kathleen, to find a friend who wants to meet in Holmes County! Thank you so much for telling me about her and for entering the contest! You didn’t leave your email address, but I know how to track you down.
I actually have two sisters. One of them lives about an hour away and the other one is halfway across the country from me in Texas. I’m in Salinas California. I love them both but I get along better with the one in Texas. We don’t see each other very much, but we do talk on the phone weekly to catch up. I really enjoy those conversations and when something comes up and we can’t talk I really miss it. I would love to win this towel and one of your books. Thanks for having these giveaways. debbiewilder (at) comcast (dot) net
Thank you so much for leaving your comment, Debbie! I can relate; I enjoy phone conversations with those I love who live far away. Good luck in the contest!
I have a sister, I cant spend as much time together as we’d like due to her work. We try to get together at least once a month just to talk and shop. Since we lost our parents we only have each other now, so try to make the best of the time as we can. Thank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m glad you have your sister, Jackie, and that you too can get together. My sister and I have also lost both of our parents. It helped tremendously to have a solid foundation of friendship between us already in place.
I only have one sister and I love her with all my heart. We haven’t lived near each other in a long time but, when we did, we would go shopping, out to eat, evenings of board games and a road trip several times a year. Although we are always in touch, I miss being able to actually touch her.
Karen C.
sweetnessnlight@comcast.net
I bet she is a darling sister, Karen! I wish you to live closer together, but it sounds as though you make the best of your situation. Good luck in the contest!
Yes actually my sister in law, Donna Courts Taylor! She got me reading Amish
books. We share our books and the love of the Amish people. We have gone to
meet a couple of authors too! Love spending time with her! Thanks for the chance
to win the towel and one of your books!
rcourts@twc.com
Three cheers for Donna, Tammy! Sounds as though someone in your family married the right woman! I appreciate your note. Thanks for entering the contest!
I don’t have a sister ~ but… I have a bunch of sisters at church ~ we have a special evening together for ladies’ night doing a craft or game and having a devotion together. I have been ill this month and many came with food and prayer for me. Special indeed! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
The best place to meet soul sisters, Kathleen! Sounds like a wonderful church and a fabulous group of women. Good luck in the contest!
I don’t have any sisters but I have 2 aunts who I was raised with and they are sisters in my heart. Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com
Thank the Lord for aunts who fill the role of sisters, Sharma! Good luck in the contest!
i have 2 sisters and 2 sisterinlaws and a whole bunch of sisters online cause in God eyes we all are sisters n brothers.Ida Davis houswife(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Ida, then your family spans the globe! Thank you for entering the contest. Good luck!
My sister recently moved back home to NC. We are in TN and 500 miles from her. I miss her. Thank goodness for FB and email and skype 🙂 What a cute tea towel you are giving away!!
I can imagine you do miss your sister, Jennifer. I agree; thank goodness for FB and email. I haven’t made use of Skype and need to do that. To enter the giveaway, please leave me your email address or contact info. Thanks!
I always wanted sisters but never had one. But I am very blessed to have 3 sister-in-law now. We are all close. It is a blessing and we are growing closer. So So much fun. Thanks for the giveaway. the_tabers(at)comcast(dot)net Jennie T
What a blessing to have three sisters-in-law that you have fun with! Sounds like your brothers chose well. Thank you for entering the contest!
I have four sisters and one of them is my twin! I’m close to all of them but closest to my twin!! I think this towel is just adorable! Donna d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
Five girls in one family, and one is a twin, Donna! I bet you have some wonderful stories to tell, as do your parents. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
I have 2 biological sisters, 1 adopted sister (she passed away this September and I miss her dearly). I also have 4 sister-in-laws and 1 future sister-in-law.
I would be honored to win the towel.
Brides68@yahoo.com
Two sisters and four sisters-in-law, plus one in the future! Sounds like a fabulous family. Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your sister, Wen. Thanks for entering the contest!
I don’t have a sister, only one brother, but my Mom is my very best friend. After 33 years of marriage, my Dad left my Mom and I’ve never married, so we live together. Before I became disabled, we shared everything together. We traveled, shopped, dine out and we both love to read. I had a friend say one time that he had never seen a mother-daughter that can live together and be best friends like us. She’s not only my Mother, but my very best friend. I’m so thankful that God blessed me with a special Mother. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. Please enter my name in the giveaway.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Your story warms my heart, Barbara. You do indeed have a special mother, and she has a special daughter! Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
My best friend Jennifer is my sister. We have known each other since our first day of college and we became instant friends and family to one another. We have been with each other through every milestone good and bad! I was with her when she had both her children, we cry together, laugh together, and plan trouble together: =) I don’t know what I would do without her. We aren’t living close to one another right now so we talk on the phone, email, and facebook……when we get together we laugh, go shopping, and just spend time together! I am so thankful God brought her into my life!
How wonderful to have a sister/best friend all in one, Beth! May you have many more years of enjoyment together, be it on the phone, Internet, FB, or the treasured times you spend together!
my bff Rachel is like a sister to me. We don’t get to see each other but maybe once a year, but when we are together, we don’t have to do anything to be happy. We get so much enjoyment just being together, reading, watching TV, going out for White Pizza, having French Onion soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, shopping at book stores and thrift stores, etc. We like doing the same things, and she and I have so much fun!
That sounds fun, Debbie,shopping together in book and thrift stores! Oh, now I’m hungry! Thanks for writing!
I have 3 sisters, 1 step-sister & 2 half sisters. Sadly, I’ve never been close to any of them, as they are 10+ years older than I am and we didn’t grow up together.
I have 2 sister-friends. One is Glenna. We have known each other for about 40 years. She now lives in Colorado, so I don’t get to see her, except for maybe 1 or 2 times a years. She always knew she could call me any time, day or night to cry over the deaths of her 2 children. They died just over 2 years apart, her son at age 19 and her daughter at age 20.
My other sister-friend is Diana. We met on an Amish page on Facebook, and started chatting. We live about 2 or more hours apart, so we have only been able to meet up 3 times in person, but we always have a lot of fun when we do!
Your two sister-friends sound priceless! Though they be far away, it sounds like you count on each other for fellowship and fun!
I have a sister who I though was my best friend,until our father passed away and items and money meant more to her.So she just used me all the years to get what all she wanted and I have no one now.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Sadly, I have heard this story before from friends, Jackie. I hope new generous, trustworthy, and loving people enter your life. Thanks for entering the contest!
I am the second but only child, you ask how that is possible, my only, older sister died of leukemia at 16 months of age before I was even thought of. our mother’s way of healing through this was to talk about my sister. i am blessed to know that she was at one time here and to know that one day I will see her face to face in heaven and to also hug her.
Tina Watson
bluehair1967(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a wonderful way to look at your sister and your joyful reunion in heaven, Tina. Sounds like you had a good mom. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
i was never blessed with a sister until my oldest brother got married.his wife chris is now my sister.we talk , cry and laugh together all the time.i love her dearly.chris is the best sister.debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
How wonderful that your brother chose such a marvelous wife, tailor-made to be your sister and best friend! Good luck in the contest
I was blessed with 4 brothers. Since I didn’t have a sister(s), I have had to borrow several great friends over the years to be my sister. What fun picking them out myself! There are times when I really wish I had a sister, but most of the time I am content with the 4 wonderful brothers I was blessed with. Hope to win the darling towel!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Four wonderful brothers sounds like a blessing, indeed! I’m trying to imagine what it would be like growing up with four brothers … Wow, a busy household. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
I have 3 “sisters in Christ” that I love dearly. They have been with me through the good times & bad times. The first one led me to the Lord back in 1991. I owe her so much.I have both books but would love to win the towel. Have a blessed Christmas everyone !
Rita
godskid91@gmail.com
Thank you, Rita! I have many of the same kind of sisters, whom I cherish. Those are the ladies I turn to when I need prayer. Good luck in the contest!
I have 2 sisters. My younger sister and I are close. I am 9 years older than she is but age makes no difference when it comes to closeness. Through the years we have enjoyed family get togethers and we both homeschooled our children enjoying going on class trips together. Our mother is fighting for her life because of being diagnosed with MDS which has gone into an aggressive leukemia. Nov. 1 we were told she had 1 to 2 months to live. Our siblings are drawing closer to help with my mom. Would love to get this book to read when I am away from home and my regular surroundings at my sister’s home where my mom is.
Bonnie
bjdc2106@gmail.com
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother, Bonnie, but glad your family is drawing closer. I can so relate as my mother died of brain cancer, way too young. I’d love to have you read my book! Good luck in the contest!
Every day is sisters day for my sister and I. We laugh, talk and read the same books. She takes me shopping as I no longer drive due to MS. She even wheels me around the mall in my chair. She has has both of her hips replaced and she gives of herself tirelessly
Sounds as though you have a fabulous sister like mine, who will drop everything to help when I need her. I’m so glad you have your sister! I pray your MS goes into remission.
well I am a willing sister for all, as Katie has found on the FB page, and volunteer all. I share books with my sister,and we become closer since I became an empty nester.Love following the Amish ways in your books. Blessed Christmas to all, including Bonnie above who’s MOM IS GETTING WORSE. Prayers for those at Christmas, their loss is great, since I lost my MEmaw then. Regina ladychipmunkband@yahoo.com
Thank you for your lovely and generous words,Regina! This can be a very stressful time of the year, especially when a loved one is seriously ill or has recently died. A blessed Christmas to you too! Thanks for entering the contest!