Los Garber: Mi hermana

When I left Peru, my sister was 15 years old. To me, she was still a little girl. We were really close growing up, but because there is a gap of 5 years between us, I was closer to my brother who is only a year older than me. When my brother left for his mision, Nylene and I grew even closer! We started hanging out and just spending more time with each other. Our family went through a lot of changes through those years and we always kept together, supporting and loving each other. We shared the same room and most of my favorite memories come from those times; Praying together, singing together, talking until very late at night or me getting upset at her because she would be soooo loud at night when I was trying to sleep.
In my time here in America I've met many friends, a couple of which are LIKE sisters to me. But certainly no one can take my sister's place. Being away from home has helped me appreciate my relantionship with her. I missed her every single night. There was no one to talk to until late, or even be mad at!
I went through a phase where I remembered all of the things I did as a big sister. Some good, some not so good. I remember when she was little she would try to copy me in EVERY WAY!!! And this used to drive me nuts! I remembered trying to take advantage of her innocence and her never letting me!!! Pondering about those moments and the ones I lived in those past 5 years, I felt we got even closer than when we were sharing a bedroom. After 5 years without seeing her I got to see her again. She was the first one who I saw and hugged. I could not believe how grown up she looked! How much prettier she'd gotten. It broke my heart a little, but I remembered that even though we were apart for a while we had still spent time together! I and knew her even though I couldn't recognize her. It was soooo great to have her close again and after a couple of minutes it seemed like we were never apart.
Last August, we went to Peru for our Sealing. My mom and sister had planned our wedding and were pretty much in charge of everything. When we got there it was a little crazy with all of the last minutes details! I saw my mom taking care of the whole wedding like a pro! And I saw my sister helping her and being in charge, too. I saw her sooo grown up and independent it blew my mind. I still think about her like my LITTLE sister; the one who always followed me around. On the day of the reception, at one point I realized that for the last couple of months it had been all about me. When I was dancing the waltz with someone ( I can't remember who it was) while I was dancing I started looking around at the big place; the decorations, the tables, the people- and for some reason I started to think about my sister. I wondered if with all the fuss about that day, and all the planning for months she had felt left out, or even jealous. At that moment I looked at her, she was holding my bouqet, and also looking at me. She said, mouthing all of the words so clearly to make sure I knew what she was saying : "I LOVE YOU!" Her eyes were sparkling and she had a big smile that allowed me to see all of her teeth!!! I felt her love and joy for me. I realized that she was happy for me, always happy. How grateful I am to have a little sister so sweet and wonderful as mine. I think it's funny that from all of the waltzs I danced that night, that one, is one of the most special ones (even thought I don't remember who I was dancing with!). Love between sisters is sweet, is forgiving, is unconditional. I am so grateful to have a sister who teaches me everyday how to be a sister! I love you mugre!

Nylene and I way back in the day! Sharing a room! ALWAYS sharing a room!!