Forever Paisley

Lisa is flying back home from Tampa today and will be joining Bernice and I at Casa de Lisa.  As an older cousin, Lisa has taught me a lot over the years.  Her first words of advice came nearly twenty years ago at a family reunion in Skanee, MI.  At the time, I was battling the awkward prepubescent stage of life.  My cheeks were round, my legs were stubby and my clothes hugged every emerging curve.  With one glance, Lisa sensed that as an adult I would likely be blessed with a body type similar to hers.  A body type that’s a bit on the short side but entirely lovable.  As we stood on the steps of the Skanee Town Hall, Lisa and I gazed over at our sisters.  Angie #1 and Angie #2.  There limbs were long and lean.  Their faces narrow.  Their chests, flat.  It was at that point that Lisa leaned over to me and whispered, “Don’t worry girl, they’ll get the legs, but you’ll get the boobs”.  It’s been almost twenty years.  Angie got the boobs and the legs.  I wound up with the ass.  Nice try Lisa.

I’ve never had an older sister, but Lisa has done a damn good job at filling that role over the last few years.  She cheers me on when I’m facing big decisions.  She lets me stay at her house unattended.  She buys me gifts.  She’s available to talk through family drama.  She always points me in the right direction (even if to the nearest dive bar).  At one point, while we both lived in Seattle, Lisa also had the interesting experience of seeing me through a pretty monumental break-up.  When I wouldn’t cook, she fed me.  When I wanted to talk about it, she would pour the wine.  When I was ready to face the world, she joined me at Molly McGuires.  When I was over it, she told me how she honestly felt.  From Seattle to Chicago.  In good times and bad.  I’ve been truly blessed to have Lisa in my life and I can not wait to post up on the couch, drink a “little” wine and catch up with her this evening.  Tomorrow it’s off to Atlanta.

Day 9,993.  You’ll get the boobs.  Yeah right.

Cherrettie