Sisters stand together in good times and in bad, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. That is exactly what happened during on July 27, 2016. This day that will impact our lives forever.
It is slightly ironic that I'm writing this since biologically, I've only ever had a brother. Yet, five years ago, I gained about 799 sisters and got 200 more each year for the next three. By the time I graduated high school, I had roughly 1,399 amazing sisters in total. Some of them, I knew very well. Some of them, I knew just from class. Some of them, I had only spoke with once or twice and some I had never talked to at all. No matter what, though, every girl was my sister. When one sister fell, so did the rest of us.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, one of our dear sisters passed away. Not only did my heart break, but so did everyone else's from my high school: Ursuline Academy. Everyone cried for our dear sister Maddy — meaning everyone who was in her grade (the class of 2014), everyone in grades below her, everyone in grades above her, all of the faculty and staff, and every family member involved.
To say the least, this is a really hard time for everyone. However, I am so impressed by the way the Ursuline community has joined together. We have teamed up to support one another. People have wiped tears from their sisters' faces. People have listened for hours endlessly about their sisters' broken hearts. We are all helping each other get through the passing of one of our own.
This is what sisterhood is all about. It is not about whether or not we share the same DNA or attend the same Thanksgiving dinner. It is not about having the same last name or same skin color. It is not about the constant bickering or exchanging of clothes. It is about the love, care, comfort and support we can all provide one another.
I never knew that five, almost six, years ago, I would have joined the best sisterhood of all time. I am sure my sisters feel the same way. So, if you are lucky enough to be a part of a sorority, support your fellow sisters; they chose you for a reason. If you are lucky enough to have a best friend who is your unrelated sister, never let something petty stand in the way of your sisterhood. If you were lucky enough to attend an all-girls school, treasure each and every person there because these are the girls who will last in your life for eternity.
If you give a girl a sister, she will be there to catch you when you fall: Remembering Madeline Limber