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Sisters ~ A gift that keeps on giving

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

 

My sister Sue, better known as Susie, are 4 years apart. We grew up outside of Schenectady N.Y. on 2 acres where we had plenty of room to roam. Our brother was born 4 years after I was so my sister and I played together and shared a room (not often done now) before younger brother came along. Our mom was a stay at home Mom until I was in Junior High School when she went back to teaching Home Economics.

My mom was an excellent seamstress and made us dresses, blouses, suits, jackets and always made us special Easter outfits. The fun was shopping for hats, shoes, gloves and a purse! The outfits we are wearing in the photo she made for us. We always enjoyed wearing matching dresses and loved playing outdoors.

Susie went to a secretarial school after High School and moved to Washington DC for a job and met the love of her life. They married and moved to Simi Valley, CA where they started their family with two daughters. Their oldest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 2. Her husband died of cancer suddenly leaving her with 2 small girls, one very ill but she beat the fight and is married now.

Later after the girls were gone Susie moved to Pittsburgh for 10 years to be there to give support to our mother who had Parkinson’s, always returning to CA for her birthdays and to see her oldest daughter. Her old next door neighbor in Simi Valley lost his wife but always came to her yearly birthday celebrations..their children grew up best friends.

Good things happen to good people. Sue and Rod reconnected and developed a warm and loving relationship blending their family of girls! Rod calls her his Susie-Q and she moved back to Simi Valley and they married.

My sister was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 9 years ago and is now in stage 4 of this disease. Her faith and spirit are an inspiration to all of us! She follows the rule of “keep moving” and even has a trainer for boxing which is a great way to keep her strength up.

Sue lives a life of gratitude and is a perfect example of one of Zig Zigglar’s quotes:

“The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times.”

I’m blessed to have a wonderful sister who constantly inspires me and lives a life of faithfulness. She teaches me the true meaning of living a purpose driven life of happiness, caring and giving back to others.

This is my third entry into the Debbie Reynolds November challenge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

 

Comments (14)

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and your sister with us. 

Nov 06, 2018 09:35 AM
Francine Viola
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA - Olympia, WA
REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

What an incredible life and there is a lot of inspiration to be had in this story.  A good lesson for all of us.

Nov 06, 2018 10:08 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Dorie... being close to a number of people with Parkinson's, I know just heroic your sister is fighting this disease. Your love and admiration for her shines through in every word in this post.

Nov 06, 2018 10:32 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Dorie,

What a moving story you shared with us about your sister.  I teared up big time while reading it   You continued to be an inspiration to me.  A

Nov 06, 2018 11:13 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Dorie - I know Parkinson's very well.  My mother had it and was a fighter.  I am glad that your sister is a fighter and will benefit from your support.

Nov 06, 2018 11:58 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

That's a wonderful sister story, Dorie.  I'm sorry your's is battling Parkinson's.  It can be a devastating disease.  Like you, I also had a mother who sewed.  She often made a little money on the side taking in alterations, or dress making.

Nov 06, 2018 03:13 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dorie- Loved reading this. I have always wanted a sister. And that was quite a lovely romantic story about your sister and Rod. Our good friend was just diagnosed with Parkinson's and it was suggested that she take up boxing. 

Nov 06, 2018 04:08 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

What a sweet post about your sister, Dorie.  It's amazing how people with great challenges can inspire us and help us keep life in perspective, isn't it? 

Nov 06, 2018 05:49 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Very touching, Dorie. I enjoyed and was happy with my two brothers, but always yearned for a sister. Life isn't simple, but it seems your Susie handles it gracefully as well as gratefully.

Nov 06, 2018 05:50 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

What a lovely post, Dorie! I see a lot of you in your sister too. I believe that a lifetime of gratefulness has led her to be so strong through the Parkinson's. The boxing is a great way to keep up her strength, for sure!

Thanks for sharing her story. I will keep her in my prayers as well.

Nov 06, 2018 07:18 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I am so sorry for the health issues of your sister but her story is inspiring.

Nov 07, 2018 06:35 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Dorie this is such a beautiful post about your sister Sue - and the whole family. She is another  excellent example of Zig Zielar's  quote!

“The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times.”

Nov 07, 2018 10:47 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

What a journey your sister has had and sttill having. Her determination to keep going is inspiring. I hope you have her for many years to come.

Nov 11, 2018 05:26 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Oh, Dorie, there is nothing better than a great sister! I, too, am blessed with the best one I could ever have. So many incredibly fun memories and treasures from our childhood shared, and just like this story that you have, we love each other no matter what. Your sister sounds like an inspiration, not surprising, as you are so often, too. 

And how beautiful your clothes were! 

Nov 12, 2018 08:37 PM