My husband and I have to incredible daughters, Alexis, 27 and Kelly, 23. For 4 1/2 years Alexis was the center of our universe.She was adorable, beautiful, sweet, smart and all of the other 100 adjectives that all parents use to describe their firstborn. But we really wanted a sibling for Alexis so we were so happy when Kelly came along. She was adorable, beautiful, sweet, smart.......

Alexis was so in love with her baby sister, especially since Kelly brought her a "gift" from heaven, her first big girl watch! She was so protective of her that I sometimes had to remind her that I was the Mom! It was a joy to see them play, sing, dance, laugh and do just about everything together. Months turned into years and before we realized it, they were off to school and after school daycare. Alexis made sure Kelly got her breakfast and that she wasn't bullied by anyone and Kelly looked up to her big sister as if she where the 8th wonder of the world.

Elementary school was a breeze, middle and high school more of a challenge. Kelly wanted to stay glued to Alexis but being 4 years apart meant that once they were out of elementary school, they would never be in the same school again, until college. Alexis wantef to be independant and started to develop into a young woman, dating, going to parties, preparing for college and Kelly had a hard time adjusting to life without her constant protector and companion. They were always there for each other but in a different way. This is when my husband and I had a real sit down talk with Alexis because she seemed to be the one pulling away from her sister. The main thing we said was, friends will come and go, no matter how much you think your best friend will be around for forever, they will come in and out of your life, but your SISTER will be there for FOREVER. As Kelly grew, we started to say the same thing to her... you will be family for forever. When Dad and I are no longer around, you will always have each other no matter how different your lives turn out to be. No one will ever love you more.

That bond was tested 5 years ago when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, Non-Hodkins Lymphoma. Both of the girls were attending Georgia Southern University at the time, 3 hours away from our home near Atlanta. I tried to sugar coat the situation a bit but the next thing I knew, they were in the hospital room, right beside each other and supporting not only my husband, but me too. During Rick's treatment they

leaned on each other for support, not knowing what the outcome would be, but through it all, I repeated the same thing I had said to them time and time again, you are SISTERS, be there there for each other because no one will understand you more, love you more and be there for you more. And they did. And we got through it. And Rick went into remission. And we are all stronger for it.

Alexis was married this past February to a wonderful man, Zack. He is now a part of this family, truly the son we never had and I turned to the girls and said, now there are 3 of you, siblings by blood and now marriage. Family forever.