My Sister’s Sunrise

Although the hours are dark and late, I find myself still laying awake. I think about the life I've lived, the people I love, and my moments with them. I collect these memories in little bottles. The feelings dance and the spirit sings in each treasured vial. Today my favorite is my sister's sunrise. The lavender water has such a gentle glow. Flecks of silver weave through the waves, and a feeling of peace settles against the seal. With a sweet waft of nostalgia, I put the bottle to my lips.

I close my eyes, and I am taken back to the back porch of our father's house. The gentle nip of the early spring air, the cold metal of the lawn chair against my legs, and the feeling of knowing that somebody else is there with me. Not a word passes between us as we sit there, but we have never been more connected.

The nights are worse for her. Uneasy feelings creep into her mind. They look around and settle, and they make themselves comfortable. Her thoughts eat away at her, and she cannot be alone. Her eyes refuse to let her rest. Our world changed drastically in such a short time, and so, for tonight, I offered to sit with her in the dark.

We sat on that porch, exchanging memories and emotions. Her hands calm their trembling, and her breathing slows. Her mind seems to grow quiet. Hours pass, and the morning sun breaks through the horizon. The grass gleams, and the critters greet the new day with their songs. The warmth of the sun starts to graze our skin, and we laugh at the time we just shared.

Although little had happened that day, I find peace knowing I could offer her such solace. When her nights start to feel long once again, I will be there. She knows now that, despite this changing world, she is not alone.