Such a beautiful piece that brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful a tradition they established and so sad it had to end. Yet it lasted for so many wondrous years. They established a model that would benefit every pair of siblings.
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This heartfelt piece captures the wonderful sisterhood I was privileged to watch close up for more than 60 years. I always felt the love and laughter that cemented the incredible bond of these two sisters, my first cousins, whether with both of them or listening to one of them talk about the other. We all miss Arlene but are grateful that Helene shares their special memories with all of us.
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My grandmother was one of 3 sisters and often said they were the best gift her mother gave her. I have two daughters and they argue and fight now (ages 12 and 9), I hope they develop the same closeness you and your sister shared as they grow.
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You might want to script them for this eventuality with phrases like...you be good to your sister, you will really enjoy each other a lo more when you,re older. You willhave someone you can really trust when your older, etc. My mom did that, as she was an only child and it worked well through the years. We are both in our 70,s and know how lucky we are.
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The best gift my mother gave me was my sister, but I didn't appreciate it until I went off to college. Like your daughters, my sister and I fought all through junior high and high school although we had an underlying caring and love for one another. When I got to college (she was 2 1/2 years younger and still at home) we started writing letters to each other, and a closeness developed that deepened over the years.
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Your story brought tears. My sister and I were characterized by our mother as being "thick as thieves". She was my best and closest friend for over 50 plus years. No, an untimely death did not end our relationship. Her secrets and subterfuge caused the demise of our bond. Still, I think about her everyday. First inclination after reading was to copy and paste and send to her your Special Sister Time.
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My dear Helene, this made we weep with tears that haven't yet stopped. Arlene was my dear friend when we lived in Rochester. She "set up" my daughter, Jennifer when she moved to Boston with her nephew, Laurence. They have been happily married for 19 years, and Helene became my family and friend, too! Tears of sadness and joy that Auntie Arlene brought us all together.
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I expected to be choked up all week this week, as Wednesday will mark 30 years since my dear sister, with whom I shared many wonderful times in New York City, died at age 33. But reading this lovely remembrance unleashed a flood of tears.
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Thank you for sharing the beautiful memories of your sister and your get togethers.
I have 4 daughters and I hope their friendship is as enduring.
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Thank you Helene for sharing your beautiful love story. I have four sisters but lost the one who was also my best friend in 2007. I think of her several times every day, she is always with me. When the grief becomes overwhelming, I focus on the amazing gift it was to have her in my life. I like to think we meet up with our loved ones again in time.
3
As soon as I read your Special Sister Time today morning from the office I breathed deeply. Karen, my wife, lost her only sister Laura two years ago. Sometimes she says she cannot deal with the loneliness, that empty space nobody can fill. So tonight when I got home read your words to her in her language (Spanish). I told her, do you see? There is another sister crying for the same absence as you. Karen cried, but it was different. Thank you for sharing your tears-words, you are not alone. A big hug from the rain forest of Costa Rica. Take care.
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Helene, thank you for your beautiful story. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister. Thank you for sharing your memories of your special times together.
8
A very cold New York City day just became a very warm one. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your memories of your beloved Arlene. I never expected to be wiping away tears this morning.
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Thanks for sharing your wonderful memory, Ms. Bailen! I'm sorry for your loss and really appreciate the story.
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What a lovely memory to keep you warm.
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Your beautiful and evocative Diary entry Helene struck me as both a love letter to and about your late sister as well as a love letter to and about the city of New York. It reminded me of the wonderful book by Jan Morris entitled “Manhattan ‘45” in which she wrote at the very end in her Acknowledgements: “This entire work is really an acknowledgement, because it is meant to express my gratitude for thirty-three years of bewitched association with New York—I have visited the city every year, written many thousands of words about it, and made there some of my oldest and truest friendships.” How lovely that you and your sister shared a similar kind of “bewitched association” with New York for thirty-two years, enjoying the pleasures of each other’s company and the special treats and treasures of the city.
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What a beautiful story! I’m touched by your sisterly bond & love, my condolences on your loss, but what memories! Also touched by the receptionist who “knew”!
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How sad, your sister is gone but what wonderful memories of great times together
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Beautiful. Sister time is the best time. Thanks for the reminder to cherish it.
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Lovely. Definitely tear inducing. Thank you.
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Very nice Helene. Thank you.
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Helene, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister. At the same time I envy you the years of beautiful sisterhood you shared, and I'm glad you have your wonderful NYC memories. What a lovely story, and such a sad ending.
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Your story moved me very deeply, I am so sorry for your loss. I am very lucky to have my sisters live within the Metro -area. One even lives in the same borough. However, because we live so close, we take our proximity for granted. I can't remember the last "sister time" we had. Thank you for the wake-up call.
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Sounds like you had a truly grand and memorable night in the beautiful suite... The kind of memory you will always have, the kind of story you can tell over and over to others so you can remember yourself how great your relationship was. A trip to NYC is always memorable, and I still have two of my five siblings to share it with. I keep prodding them, but after reading this story I really have to make those trips happen. They will mean so much to us in later years. Thanks for the reminder to make memories with love ones so you have memories to share later.
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Thank you for sharing your touching story. May your sister rest in peace.
13
Lovely, poignant story. I'd suggest continuing the yearly trip with your children and nieces and taking time to remember your sister.
22
The Receptionist knew. What a wonderful memory. Tears for me also.
21
Such a beautiful reminder to make time for those we love and to enjoy the time we have together. Thank you for sharing your story.
24
Entries in the Metropolitan Diary almost always affect me in one way or another, but they rarely make me teary-eyed. This one did.
I agree with the natmatdanem's comment: "make time for the people we love."
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This brought tears to my eyes. What a reminder to make time for the people we love.
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