that's what i'm here for

well, my sister pene and i each have lots of strengths. unfortunately, few of our strengths overlap. i am great at expressing myself either through writing or conversation (arguing:) she is great at expressing herself through music, singing and photography. i am great at getting people to give me what i want, she is great at getting what she wants herself. i am great at winging things and never planning, she has the plans and lists down. two sides of the same gene pool.

since masey has been sick, it's been pretty useful. the doctors will come to talk to pene, and she and i literally hear two different conversations. i completely tune out things my mind does not see as important (i like to think it's the fluffy stuff) while she tunes out details. we will talk about a doctor visit after the fact and marvel that we both were present for the same conversation.

but, it helps eliminate the gaps in the information we are given. i am good at being the bad guy. when nurses are not doing something correctly, i am the nervy one who will confront them on it. when something needs to be done and isn't, it is me that finds the nurse and gets her to do it now. pene is good at gaining the compassion and dedication of the nursing staff. i am great at interrupting doctors to ask the questions that pene will not, or has forgotten. she is great at listening and taking care of mason during these visits. i am good at understanding what information a vague question is wanting and only giving that much. pene is good at giving the full picture. i am good at waking up with 5 minutes till we leave, hoping i have proper clothing on and going to masey's radiation appointments. pene is great at packing each item and knowing where and how many of each item she packed.

we always joke that there are some things that are just what i'm here for. i am here to ask the questions, manipulate people into giving us the things we want, and most importantly, make sure masey has what he needs. when masey had a horrific experience at the doctors, i knew that it was my job to hunt down the proper channels to get our problem solved, and let everyone possible know how enraged we were about it. i did not need to be told to allow my righteous fury to fix the problem. it was just understood. pene had the task of comforting masey and reassuring him that it would never happen again, as well as planning out the long-term battle plan. i got to let my anger out immediately, and argue any medical professional up to the challenge into a nice little corner. both things that fit our personalities perfectly.

despite our different personalities and strengths, it has been so nice spending tons of time not only with masey but pene, also. we did not always get along well (i guess at all!) especially when we were little. but, spending time with her lately has allowed me to appreciate the many strengths she brings to the table, and the amazing mom she is.