Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Sisters, Sisters ... There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters


While looking through my wedding pictures I came across this one and struggled to keep my emotions in check.

My sister and I.  We share a close relationship.  Through the years we could stay up until all hours of the night talking about anything and everything ... as sisters tend to do.  When I moved to North Carolina we had our conversations via the phone.  It wasn't unusual for our calls to last an hour or two.  She is my older sister and my only sister.  We have a lot in common, but at the same time we couldn't be more different from each other if we tried.

When she had her stroke 2 years ago she was left with her right side paralyzed and aphasia.  When she had her stroke I knew nothing about aphasia.  I assumed that with a lot of speech therapy she would be able to communicate once again.  I thought she might be left with slurred speech, but I had no idea she might not be able to talk or read again.  Sadly as of today that is the case.   When I call her she is able to say "yes" and "no".  She always tries to ask me questions, but there are no words that are decipherable.  I do send letters as I know she enjoys receiving mail, but for the most part someone else has to read them to her.
I don't fully understand aphasia, but I often wonder if it is an even worse fate than being paralyzed.  Since she woke up in a hospital room 2 years ago and was told she had suffered a massive stroke she hasn't been able to discuss her feelings, her fears or ask questions.  When our Mom passed away she wasn't able to put her grief into words or writing. 
I once heard a man on NPR telling about his experience with aphasia.  He was recovering his speech to some extent, but said it was a bit like being in prison.  He knew what he wanted to say, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't form the words.  I can't even imagine how difficult and frustrating that must be.

I don't know exactly why I'm putting this into a post except that some of you have asked about my sister and I haven't done an update in a while and I guess to be honest I really, really miss the girl talk my sister and I had.  I think most of you understand girl talk whether it be with your own sister or your best friend.

Next month I am planning to go visit my sister.  It will be wonderful to see her.  Communication is a bit easier face to face, but still challenging.  For now I hope and pray that I can be of help to her.



27 comments:

  1. bless you and your sister. I hope the visit will be good and you will be able to look in her eyes and know what she is feeling

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  2. I am so glad you are going to get to visit your sister. What a special relationship you two have. I never had a sister, so I think it is such a blessing.

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  3. You are so lucky to have the bonding that you two sisters do. I only wish I was that close to my sister. We are 9 years apart. We talk about every day, we live 6 miles apart, but we never go shopping together, have meals together or play together.
    I am sure you and you sister still feel the love for each other that you have in your hearts.
    Blessing to you both
    Patti

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  4. Kim, Your pictures are gorgeous. I love your wedding dress. What a fun place to visit. I would love to do that. We watch Andy Griffith all the time. Congratulations. Kathi

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  5. thanks for sharing you toughed the heart strings in me. I have 6 sisters and I love them all. 3 are older... 3 are younger than me. My youngest sister recently found out that she has cancer ( lymphoma/ leukemia) and may need a bone marrow transplant. We are all still in shock and waiting to see what happens next. it really makes my head swirl with emotions and frustration.
    I hope all the best and some recovery to happen for your sister.
    KAT
    KAT

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  6. Dear Kim...it is so nice that you will be able to be with your sister! Such a sweet friendship that you and your sister have enjoyed for so many years. Sweet blessings to both of you...as you spend special time together. Hugs ♥ Teri

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  7. What a wonderful happy picture of the two of you and how pretty you both are!!
    It will be so nice for the two of you to see each other again. I still pray every morning for Norma and wish her well.

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  8. You two are some kind of gorgeous now let me tell you. The color of your bridesmaid's dress has certainly stood the test of time. It's lovely and she's lovely in it.

    I hope that you both have a wonderful visit with each other. Some things transcend words. Have "the experts" offered any other way of communicating? I know so little about this condition that even that may be the most foolish question.

    Thank you for sharing more. I know she's always on your heart and in your mind and tucked into your prayers. I'll be praying, too.

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  9. I hope, too, that seeing each other face to face will help you immensely. It's hard to imagine what a gift it is to be able to express yourself, and how hard it would be to not have that. Wishing you and your sister the best, Kim.

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  10. Kim, you and your sister are beautiful and you look very much alike.
    I'm glad you've posted about her, I've wondered how she was doing. I'm so sorry to here of the aphasia. I know your visit will mean so much to her. Your sister relationship sounds so very special.
    I pray she will improve......
    Hugs,

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  11. Oh Kim, I'm so sorry that happened to your sister and that she is struggling so to communicate. I'm sure when you visit her, that a hug and looking into her eyes will speak volumes and words aren't really needed. She'll know how much love is between you two. Just knowing someone is there and loving you is so important. But I know it must be so hard for you, too, not to be able to talk with her as you once did.

    Your photo show two very beautiful sisters. Your wedding gown and your sister's gown were gorgeous.

    Thanks for sharing your story. I hope and pray that someday soon something can be done to help your sister improve and to communicate better. Hugs, Cheryl

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  12. That is a very sweet picture of you and your sister. I do hope that the doctors find a new way to help her be able to communicate again. That must be so sad for her. But I know it will make her feel a lot better just to see you!!

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  13. Your post was so touching to me. I will say a prayer for you and your sister. Especially that your visit goes well.
    I lost my older sister 27 years ago and I can't wait to get to visit with her again someday.
    Blessings to you.

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  14. You two are sisters. You have the closest bond. Just talk to her, be with her, hold her hand and let her know how very deep your love for her is. She will know and she will understand. God Bless you both.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  15. Kim I'm so sorry your sister is still suffering the effects of her stroke. I know how difficult it must be to communicate with her long distance. I know you will show her and tell her how much she is loved when you get to see her in person. Enjoy your visit and time with her!
    Xo
    Robin

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  16. Oh, Kim, I'm so sorry...and you are so sweet to have posted about your dear sister. What a great photo of the two of you. The bond between sister's is everlasting. I'm happy to hear you will see her soon and I pray for her recovery.

    Blessings and hugs,
    Donna

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  17. Kim, my heart hurts for you. I am so sorry that your sister has been affected in this way. I believe that just having you with her for awhile will be such an encouragement for both of you. I pray she will continue to improve and I've prayed for both of you that God will give you courage and strength to endure the hardship.
    Deb

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  18. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Seriously...I have seen these pics before, but forgot how STUNNING you are! & your sister is a wonderful woman and no matter what happens from here on out, you have the most amazing memories to cherish in your heart forever...I always wished I had a sister...xoxoxox

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  19. That is heart breaking..nothing like a sister! I love this pic of the two of you..you are both so beautiful! :D

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  20. Sweet and loving post. I pray you have a wonderful visit with your sister. I am sure just having you near will be a special gift to her.

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  21. As I looked at the beautiful photo of you and your sister at your wedding, my heart felt a deep sadness. Losing the open communication with your dear sister and losing it with your mother too, must have been almost more than your heart could handle. My daughter is a nurse and reminds me often that hearing is often the last of the senses to go, so I know she hears your heart in your communication. I appreciate so much that you shared this with us and it reminded me to keep you in my prayers when you do go to visit your sister.

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  22. Kim~ I love the photograph! Your expressions remind me much of my Sis & I. I too, the younger of us, is taller. It is just the two of us. I love my girlfriend sister time. Sis & I met for a couple of Diet Cokes yesterday (She lives just an hour and a half away.) I know I am Blessed. She too.
    As for Aphasia.. I do not know much about that... I do know, my Aunt had Parkinson's as well as Alzheimer's and had much difficulty finding the words she wanted to say as w=well as saying them audibly. My being patient and listening ... sometimes even asking or suggesting what the words she was looking for. She really enjoyed me just being there, sitting w her, watching tv, and loving her.
    I will keep your Sis, both in prayer, you will be a bight spot in her day as always :)

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  23. I think the visit is just what the doctor ordered for both of you, Kim, I too have an older sister, that I am close to, and we have shared many memories together.
    The photo is absolutely beautiful, and may I wish you a very Happy Anniversary.
    Enjoyed catching up on some of your previous post, the bike with the hydrangeas is precious.
    Your flowers are always so beautiful, thank you for sharing.
    Sue

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  24. Kinda stumbled on your blog this morning via Shells, Bells, Flowers & Showers. Just wanted you to know I enjoyed my stay. Lovely place (blog) you have here. Enjoyed my visit tho' I'm so sorry about your sister. hope you have a nice time together when you visit her. I hafta think it will mean the world to her.

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  25. My heart breaks for you and the difficuly your sister has faced. I hope you have a wonderful time in each others presence . ..remembering and knowing your love is still as strong as other.

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  26. Hi Kim, that is a beautiful picture of you and your sister. Sometimes just writing things down helps you sort through the emotions. I'm sorry to hear that your sister is unable to do that which we take for granted each and every day. It will be good for you to see her again. Sending hugs and blessings, Tammy

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  27. God bless you and may your visit be an amazing one.
    Sisters have a special language all their own.
    Hugs,
    Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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