May We Love Bravely

A Poem for My Sister

I want to be your leader when you’re lost, your servant when you’re sick, your warrior when you’re weak, your rock when you’re unsteady. And for you to be mine in my places of need.
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Because our times of need are inevitable.
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I want you to be my partner when we are playing, my collaborator when we’re creating, and my debator when we’re discovering life’s wisdom through the pain.
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Because life will be full of it.
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I want to equally give and receive based on the understanding of our interdependence, and a true attentiveness to each others’ mental, emotional and physical realities.
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Because our journeys through this life will always be distinct.
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I want to be a temple for your body, a garden for your heart, a playpen for your mind, and a guardian for your soul.
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Because each piece of you deserves the space to be safe and to grow on your own.
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I want to walk and breathe and struggle with and believe in who you are and all you will be. And to remind you of it, in your longing to reflect true light.
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Because that is what love is.
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And I am so sorry, for every day I fail to live that out. Forgive me, and teach me. Live this day as a new one with me.
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May we be made stronger together.
May we love bravely.
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I am with you and I love you.
Your big sister,
Libby