I Got You Sis…
“Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.” ~Carol Saline
Update: My dear sister Yeae’ transitioned shortly after this post was released. My greatest joy was she was able to read this tribute as it was my way of giving Yeae’ her flowers while she was still here. I am grateful also for the opportunity to say goodbye to Yeae’ before she transitioned which allowed me to see the peace and smile on Yeae’s face one last time. Life is short and tomorrow is not promised, MAKE TODAY COUNT!
“I Got You Sis”, are words that have been spoken by me and to me countless times. My superpower is showing up for my sisters! Sisterhood is very important to me. I am the eldest sister in my family, and I take that role very serious. I am sure if you asked my two younger sisters, they’d probably say I’ve taken the big sister role way too serious at times. What can I say, I am my sister’s keeper because I am my sister!
I truly believe that what we attract is a reflection of who we are. My love for sisterhood has opened many doors of opportunity for me to be a part of some amazing circles of beautiful and brilliant women. Everywhere we land on our journey I have found a sisterhood. I remember when we first got to Nashville and how through volunteering at the Rescue Mission, I was able to connect with Sandra. She is an amazing woman of God and all-around awesome lady. Sandra invited me to a sister’s appreciation dinner that she hosted for Valentine’s Day. At that beautiful dinner I connected with a dozen or so women of Nashville, several of which have gone on to be very dear sisters to me.
One in particular was Yeae’ we sat next to one another and from the first “hello” we were bonded. Once Yeae’ found out that I was new to Nashville, she decided to host a girls-night at her family’s restaurant, Prince’s Hot Chicken. How cool was that? About a month later that girls-night happened! Yeae’ was an exceptional hostess and I met many awesome ladies from all walks of life, one in particular was Llyoda. We sat next to each other and just like that I had a new sister added to my life.
First Girls Night
Yeae’ and I have created so many amazing memories over the last 5 years, our love for great food, live music, and the ocean has kept our sister times both lively and satisfying. About a year ago Yeae’ reached out to inform me that she was diagnosed with cancer, the news took my breath away because it was quite serious. Immediately, I prayed and asked God to direct me on how to be the sister and friend Yeae’ needed. See even though I was devastated by the news, it was not about me.
Recently Yeae’ came to visit Charles and I here in Georgia for Charles’s birthday and we had the best time ever. We ate delicious meals and even went to Charleston,SC to spend time at the ocean. Yeae’ set the pace of our activities and she refused to allow her diagnosis to steal away a fun filled experience. Yeaé has made a huge impact on my life, her zest to live fully is inspiring. Shortly after she returned from her visit here in Georgia, Yeaé reached out to say she was giving herself a birthday party and she wanted us to come. Although it was kind of short notice, there was nothing to think about, we were going to Nashville to celebrate Yeae’!
I had no idea that Yeae’s birthday party would be the last time I would see another dear sister. Darlene and I worked together on the Temple Church Cotillion Committee in 2018 and became dear sisters. I was both surprised and elated to see her and so many other dear sisters including Sandra and Lloyda all there to celebrate Yeae’ it was truly a magical time. A couple of weeks ago I got word that Darlene had made her transition from this life. I was sad and as I processed the loss, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy for the opportunity to have one last girls-night with Darlene during Yeae’s birthday party. The last time I saw Darlene she was happy, we laughed, we hugged, and we had a great time celebrating Yeae’. Tomorrow is not promised so live for today and make time for your sisters, and friends, and loved ones! Sometimes the best thing you can do is “SHOW UP!”
Even as I type this post my dear friend and sister Yeae’ is pushing through and fighting for her life with everything she got. In honor of our sisterhood, friendship, and love, I say to you Dear Yeae’ you are not alone. I GOT YOU SIS! ~OneLove Diane
Beach Walk Isle of Palms, SC