When I was younger, there was this really annoying little kid in the neighbourhood that used to hang around me all the time. She always wanted to do what I did, and sometimes because she was a couple of years younger that was a right royal pain in the patootie. I don't have a memory of when she moved into our street exactly - it just seemed like she was always there ,being needy, wanting to join in, and spending her bus money on lollies and expecting me to give her mine so she didn't have to walk home from school. Sometimes we'd spend my bus money, I'd share my loot and we'd walk home together.
Despite the odds we became friends. We did things together. We became mates. We had "sleepovers". We shared secrets.
In our teens we drifted apart. Got separate friends. We fought. We hated one another. With nothing in common we were suddenly as different as chalk and cheese. Joint activities and interests fell by the wayside (aside from that one time we "borrowed" my Mum's car ) Life choices were made. Different paths were chosen. Still in touch but out of touch with one another.
Flash forward about 7 years. We re-connected for a few years sharing our lives based on new commonalities, like marriage , subsequent divorces and juggling work and having kids. And then 12 years ago she moved to another part of the state and I moved away in the opposite direction, which increased the physical distance. Four years ago she moved to another state. Australia is a big place and she moved clear across the other side of the country 3600 kilometres away. We've stayed in touch. Gifts, and gossip. Phone calls and visits. It's not quite the same but it's better than nothing.
On reflection, sisters are annoying things that your parents bring home from the hospital that scream all the time and hog all the attention and limelight. Deep down you still know you're the coolest kid your parents have so it's all good. Sisters ride their bike into the rose bushes, and you'll both be banned from riding your bikes on the verandah. She'll be your partner in crime but dob on you to save her own skin. You'll share chicken pox and your mother's wrath. She'll steal your makeup and read your personal diary when you're 15 and in love with Steve Hughes. You will love each other ferociously , but hate each other at times with about the same measure of emotion. But when your sister is gone and you're all grown up- and nobody gets you quite like your family does - you realise how much you miss her. At some point I realised the relationship I have with my sister is going to be the longest relationship I'll ever have. So for the past 12 years I feel like I've been cut off from someone who knows all about me and loves me in spite of that knowledge , and that I'm missing sharing all my crap with her and I've realised that she makes me laugh and feel strong and right about my life. Even when I doubt myself.
I’ve been waiting for the right time to do this post. Waiting to see if it would really happen and if I should get excited. And now it's official.
Sister of Pyjamas is coming home. And instead of a 4 day drive she's going to be 15 minutes away. For good. I'm counting down the days. 
Go and call your sister....you know you want to.
Love you L
XXX
