A Sister’s Sister

Over the past year, a very close friend of mine that I’ve known since 7th grade (I consider her a true sister) has been reaching the end of her emotional rope due to her younger sister’s alcohol abuse. After six separate attempts at rehab, the current situation is dire. When confronted with this issue over the course of several years, there has been a massive effort on the part of this family to get her through the darkness. After each attempt there is another failure and after each failure another attempt to help her regain some momentum.

Recently, however, the energy level of those trying to help has hit a wall. Money, time, energy and emotions have depleted to their minimums and the situation is at its lowest point.

One brave step my friend took this time, however, was one that could only be described as courageous and vulnerable, allowing her to voice her exhaustion and at the same time ASK OUT LOUD for the help she needed to navigate this last attempt at saving her baby sister. Hers was now a prayer to all of the friends she knew that could come to her aid. Sometimes we are directed to move out of our own pride zone to get the relief we need.

Texts were shared, voices heard, ideas conveyed, comfort provided. The fact that she reached out has not only saved herself, but we are hopeful that with a combined effort of love and connection we can find a way to collectively lift this young woman out of her misery. We are not experts, or specialists or doctors or therapists. We are sisters, known and unknown, who have come together to save a soul. The results will be what they are and only time will tell. Yet the most vital truth here is that we joined together and we made the effort stronger and more powerful for all concerned.

Remember that your strength is a powerful asset. By pulling together, strength upon strength, we can change the world.

No one succeeds alone.