I remember when I first discovered her. She had always been around and yet I never noticed at first. At such a young age I could never wrap my mind around why I was forced to be stuck with this sister I did not ask for. Looming in the background of my life until she decided to demand my attention. There was no avoiding the tantrums thrown my way at such a powerful force. The pain I felt inside, as if I was being ripped to pieces from the inside out, was more than I could take. Feeling the satisfaction at the power over my life that she held in her strapping hands. Having no choice at the time but to let the feeling run its course. Sticking side my side over the years, reluctantly accepting that these were the cards dealt to me. It was simple; I had a sister that relished being around me and had a hunger for my undivided attention.

Growing older, wiser and learning that I didn't have to take her mistreatment; I began to fight back. Feeling power returning to my body as the fight for life truly began. Every time I stayed positive, didn't give into her and expressed the pain in a healthier way her secure hold loosened. The disturbance on that malicious face as the realization that I, a girl believed to be weak because I never fought back, had grown stronger than her sunk in. The fact of the matter is I will always be at war with my sibling. She's stuck in her ways. Through this never-ending battle I found strength I had never known, knowledge and a deep passion for life. So there is an appreciation I have for her, not only the abhor that formed at the beginning of our relationship. Our fight will go on until I take my last breath, there will be no disowning. Accepting that I am her and she is me; I introduce you to the blood sister I never wanted but now care for because living with her made me who I am today, Sickle Cell Anemia.