Once upon a time, my sister, Jess, lived in New York City. It came as a bit of a surprise when she moved here because the city wasn’t necessarily her first choice of places to live as it had been mine. Nevertheless, I was excited to have her nearby. She and I now share this close sisterly bond that didn’t really materialize until I left for college nine years ago. (Nine years ago!? Honestly, where does the time go?)

Growing up, she and I experienced the typical sibling rivalries and were sort of two different kinds of people who didn’t really know how to relate to one another. Now we’re practically inseparable, speaking to each other almost daily. It’s a special bond that I’m thankful to have.

We used to bond over what we dubbed “Sissy Sundays” going on photoventures or explorations of the city. Sometimes we would just hang out at her old apartment in Astoria watching Bravo! TV and girl talking. Today reminds me of a Sissy Sunday, and I’m sitting in my kitchen wishing we could go on one of those photoventures.

Since we can’t, I’m writing this blog because Jess now lives back in Pennsylvania and is trailblazing her own path pursuing a graduate degree in Art Therapy at Cedar Crest College, working a part-time job and making art. Soon she will teach an art class at The Banana Factory.

I couldn’t be more proud of her. Even though I tell her all of the time how awesome it is, I’m sharing it with you because it takes a lot for a person to step out of his/her skin and go after a dream or a goal. She spent a hell of a year in NYC trying to figure out her life and where she fit into this bustling mecca, and realized that it wasn’t what she wanted.

Every time I talk to her, she sounds so much happier despite the piles of schoolwork and 15-page papers. I truly believe this new path will open up so many doors for her and I foresee an exciting future ahead. We can’t share a Sissy Sunday together today, but I hope we can share this digital Sissy Sunday moment because I want her to know how much I miss her.