A Sister for the best and worst of times

My sister Brookie has carried me through some of the darkest times of my life, and shared many of the best.  In fact, this whole My sister campaign was her idea.

She says that when I am around, she just feels more confident, like she can do anything.

When I found out my beloved mother was dying of cancer, the bottom fell out of my world.  With 2 small children, i struggled through the three short, miserable months of her illness.  Some friends were at a loss for what to say or do, others remained distant.  Brookie was the only one who said 'i know no one can replace your mother... but I'll try!".  Every few days for those 3 months, she sent cards, little gifts, poems and drawings.  when i couldn't imagine feeling happy again, she imagined it for me, and helped me to get back to equilibrium.

Brookie has encouraged my music career, my abolitionist work and all aspects of my personal life.  Her example and innovation when she was my boss and mentor at Creative Arts Workshops (for Homeless Kids in NYC) continues to bear fruit in my own work with survivors.