Grateful for Sisters

By Kristy Solis

A commonality and concern of all parents is the mental health of their children, especially with an ongoing crisis. How will this affect children, siblings or even the family unit as a whole?

For my daughters, I encourage them to pray and reflect on daily gratitude in their lives.

Now that this pandemic has become a new norm in the girls’ lives, I asked them, “If you could only name one thing that you are grateful for through this pandemic, what would it be?” The girls hugged each other and exclaimed, “Sisters.”

In this moment, it occurred to me, on the other side of this pandemic, they will always have a sisterly bond, but more importantly they will be connected through memories of this pandemic.

Has this affected my children? Definitely. It has affected the entire world. However, this sisterly bond has helped them to cope with the uncertainty of the world and has even distracted them from what is going on in the world. As young as they are, they are able to recognize the blessing.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us of the blessings of another such as a sister – “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.”

Only time and God will tell how each of us will be affected.

Until then, Lord hear our prayers, help us to remember that family is a gift, and we are stronger together. Prayers of protection for the physical, mental and spiritual health of the family unit are needed. May, in your light, there be love and support for each other during this time.