Lovely Rita

How many people can say they got the big sis they always wanted at age 22?

I can.

I met Reets my first year at UCSC. She was the Title IX Officer (still is) and I was an intern in a pilot peer education program in her department. From the moment I met her, I was drawn to her. Over countless breakfasts with a side of biscuits (hold the gravy) and dinners (bring on the wine), she's mentored me. She's been everything a sister should be: a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a sane voice in the chaos of my mind, a laugh riot. She's lived enough life, searched enough soul and fought enough inner turmoil to become one wise and wonderful being. She's authentic and her integrity is unmatched in any person I have met.

The years have brought us closer together. Twelve years to be exact. She's one of the first people I met in The Cruz and really, the only remaining friend I have from that first, hesitant year here away from home. We know one another's families. I watched her fall in love with the perfect person for her. Every time she tells me how blissful married life is, she reminds me that that elusive IT is out there for me too. I'm going to have to take her word on that for now. But if there is anyone's word I trust, it's Reets.

It's not goodbye we said last night because with us, we're in it for the long haul. She'll be at my wedding (if there ever is one). She'll know my children. I'll watch her and Michael grow old together, still slow dancing and looking lovingly into each other's eyes like they did on their wedding day.

One of the best ways to be loved is like a sister and to me, Reets is my sister. Always.