Sisters, Sisters
There were never such devoted sisters,
Never had to have a chaperone, no sir,
I’m there to keep my eye on her.
Caring, sharing…
All kinds of weather, we stick together.
The same in the rain and sun.
Two different faces, but in tight places,
We think and we act as one.
Those who’ve seen us,
Know that not a thing could come between us…
Irving Berlin
May 30, 1966
You came into my life, and it’s never been the same.
Born too tiny to come home with mum, you stayed at the hospital, and grew a little better every day. I must have thought you were a baby doll at the time, I was only three years old. I don’t remember a lot from the early days, but I do remember we were still living in the brown house mum and dad built on the Sweeden Road in Caribou. You slept in a crib in my room, and then when another baby brother came along in ’67, you both were in my room, two cribs lined up on one wall, my bed was on the opposite wall, underneath a window.
Here, at Meme’ and Pape’ St. Peter’s, Pape’ had come home from work and mowed the grass, he was relaxing on the lounge chair and was enjoying your company, you had leaned over and he had leaned forward and you two bonked, you on your forehead, and he on his lip.
It’s always been about family, and look how this family grew! This photo was taken in the summer of our matriarch’s 99th birthday, 2015. Ora LaChance St. Peter was my dad’s mother and she would bless us with four and a half more years of love, wisdom and prayer, until she would go be with her Lord. When we would visit, she’d always say; “Do you have to leave so soon?” We would tell her: “I love you.” Her reply was always; “I love you more.”
As young children, we, the five of us, spent a lot of time at Grammy and Grampy St. Peter’s. Days, nights, holidays and special events. I remember many sleepovers through the years with my sister, each of us having a twin bed to ourselves in Grammy’s room. Then, eating at the dining table when Grampy came home for lunch every day.
Even though we moved several times throughout our growing up years, we’d always stayed in Caribou.
Here we are, in all our wonder years! Mum and dad certainly had a hand full! 16, 15, 14, 13 and 12 year old us. I am the eldest, Phil, Jeff, Karen and David in the top photo. I only remember a little from those days, Mormon boys came around, dad would “discuss” the Bible with them. By this time I had made my Confirmation, I wanted to be a “good girl” but somehow, I fell short. All these photos were taken while we were living on the Sawyer Road, in Caribou. The younger us in the bottom photos were taken when I made my First Communion, when I took ballet and was in the Nutcracker Play at school, and the last was my sister, sometime during her early elementary years. She was chosen to participate in a special dual language program at Sincock School, she was taught English and French-our native language.
I married just out of High School
She was there, Karen was always there, she was my Maid of Honor, my best friend, my confidant and comrade in arms. We had spent many years, sharing a room, sharing our hurts and sharing even the same bed at times, I knew she loved me, no matter what.
I left home first, but didn’t move too far away, only five miles, and she was a great blessing, and a fantastic auntie!
She’s in the Army now!
After graduation Karen joined the Army and had a successful time of it, she came home for a “Bootstrap” program and received her Bachelor’s Degree.
Auntie
This little guy right here made her an auntie for the first time, that was in 1980. Now she’s auntie to 15+ and great auntie to 19+. Yes, we’re Catholic, and yes, we know what causes that.
1984
It’s graduation day for sissy!
I’m so proud of her! Destiny awaits, she’s got her whole future ahead of her. She may be pint-sized, but there is nothing little about her, tough as nails and cute to boot.
Side by Side
Many years have passed, and she’s still my best friend, she picks up the slack where other’s leave off. This is one of my Heros.
She will visit mum when no one else is able to, helps the community at large, is very supportive of all of us siblings and generous to all her nieces and nephews. We talk every day; What’s going on? How’s mum doing? Anything new in “The County?” How hot is it in Texas? How’s work going? I’m glad she’s by my side, couldn’t do this life without her support. “I love you sis.” Her reply; “Love you more.”
