Sister of soul, sister of blood.

Twisted and bound by more than just love.

My sister, my heart, my soul.

At first I was so nervous seeing her. It had been close to 6 months since I last gave her a squeeze. Her graduation. I had changed so dramatically in that time. So much had happened.

Arriving early, I decided to explore. Walking the traditional town I made it to the Ness Islands. They were lovely. The river was flowing, fly fishermen were wading the frigid waters, and pups were walking their owners. Stopping to say 'Hello,' I welcomed their intrusion to my constant thoughts. What carefree love they oozed... remembering when that was once me, I gave myself a deep breath of air and reminded myself to see, to feel the beauty in my midst - not all had changed.

As time ticked by, I saw where they were staying, I got my bearings, and then I got a message. I'd be seeing them within a few minutes now.

There she was.

I saw her familiar face down the way, her smile... Warmth flooded my being. Home. She was home. My heart was walking towards me with hers.

For so long I'd searched for home, I had such a longing to belong - to feel I belonged. Ok so on paper I knew when I lived, I knew there was always a bed with my folks, but it wasn't enough. Why on earth had it taken me so long to realise that the place I belong is not on earth, not a building but a place of heart - my family, my blood.

Melting into her arms, my soul wept. It was safe to feel, to be, to breath... I'd had to hide it from so many for so long. In her arms it just was.

Holding her heart in her other hand, Sam was mighty special too. it was a gift to get to know him more. It was such a gift to see them together, complimenting one another, knowing with wicked glee which buttons to press, and which to nurture.

Both feeling the blessing of seeing my sister thrive, and the pain of feeling that reality so far from my grasp, I chose to not think of myself but to try to 'be,' to just enjoy our time together. It wasn't easy. Emotions were heightened. So much love tried to channel through my ability to communicate, with the love there was also the pain of the season past... seeing it in her eyes, sharing it.

At times words weren't there. At times emotion so raw was seen. At times my feet struggled to find a path, to stay on the path. Through it all both her and Sam stood firm. They were like pillars of love and light in the midst of my stormy abyss.

They were home.