The first time my sister called we talked for only a few minutes and I have to say that I felt uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure what to say to her and didn’t want to say the wrong thing. She called a second time a few weeks later and we actually talked for over an hour. The conversation was smooth and I didn’t have the anxiety that I felt in our first conversation. At this point our email communication had pretty much stopped and we were having phone conversations on a regular basis. It was around Easter that my sister asked if we could see one another. She was now living in Western PA and wanted to meet the next time we were in town so my husband could meet her and we could meet her fiancé. She also suggested meeting halfway before then just her and I. Timing wise, the latter part of her suggestion didn’t work out but I suggested that we would be at my parents the weekend before and after our vacation if they wanted to get together then.

So, days before we were ready to leave for vacation we had discussed our options and decided that we would meet the Sunday after our vacation when we returned to my parents. There have been times that we agreed to meet and it hadn’t worked out so I went into this with the attitude of that when she shows up great and if not I am not going to get upset or let myself feel disappointed. I called her the evening before to confirm our time and place for the next day and left a voice mail message for her. We hadn’t heard back from her so I truthfully was preparing myself for that this wasn’t going to work out. My husband and I arrived at the restaurant we agreed to meet a little early, got a booth, and enjoyed the company of one another. While we were waiting, my cell phone rang and it was my sister to tell us they were running late but were on there way. After that phone call my demeanor totally changed. I was scared, nervous, and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It had been 10 years since we saw one another. My sister and her fiancé arrived and we had a wonderful brunch, and a wonderful conversation. We spent 3 hours together and I didn’t really want the meal or conversation to end but we had been in the restaurant for a long time. It was time to go. They had a birthday party to attend and we needed to get on the road for our 4 hour drive home.

My husband went to pay the bill with my sisters fiancé and my sister said that she was mad at herself because she forgot her camera. She wanted to take a picture of the two of us together. I was shocked that she felt that way but thrilled and excited that she wanted to take a picture. I mentioned that we had our camera in the car and we could take one and I would email it to her. When my husband came out of the restaurant he got the camera and snapped the photo. Afterwards we talked for a few minutes, said our good byes and exchanged hugs. My sister suggested that we let her know the next time we are in town so that we can get together and we went to our vehicles.

When I got in the car I started to process the whole experience and am actually still processing it. The biggest wonder that I have right now is why after 10 years is she is interested in having a relationship. Is it because we are older and she is looking at life differently? Is it because she has no immediate family left (our mother died 15 months before I found them, my sisters father died a few years ago, and my sister was raised as an only child)? I am wondering where this will lead and whether or not we will ever have a friendship that is more than superficial. I am wondering if it is going to be 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years before I hear from her again.

We have been home for two full days now and I have reflected on our first face to face meeting in 10 years for several hours. I have concluded that whatever becomes of it is meant to be and I have no expectations. The door is always open and my sister is always welcome to be a part of my life. So, today, I emailed my sister the photographs that we took on Sunday and sent her an email. I hope that this is the begging of a friendship that can be rewarding to us both. If it is meant to be it will be.

My husband’s reaction to the face to face reunion was quite simple. He felt that it well; he saw physical similarities in us such as our body builds, and personality traits. He is supportive of a relationship with my sister but at the same time is protective of me and doesn’t want me to get hurt. I love him with all my heart and am thankful for his support and encouragement.