“Sisters, Heroes” is inspired by and dedicated to my sister, Leslie.

I am the only child my mother and father had together, but my father was married prior. I have a sister who has no relation to my mother but has chosen to care for her as if she were her own. My mom and sister’s relationship wasn’t always so kindred. My mother, being 20 solid years younger than my father, understandably raised suspicions. But love made itself manifest throughout the years as my mother never left my father’s side—through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, until death did they part. My mother took care of my father in his old age all the way to his death bed. My sister, being the woman she is, made a decision. She decided after seeing the unconditional love my mother had for her father, that she would return that unconditional love back to his widow. By choosing to care for my mother, she has consequentially chosen to care for me.

I know you don’t like the touchy feely stuff, so I’ll keep this as matter of fact and to the point as possible. These were my last words to Daddy, and now they belong to you—you’re my hero, and I don’t know what I’d do without you. I see Daddy in you; I see Jesus in you. Though very different, I hope you can see that our differences are our strength. You’re everything I could never be, and I love you.