Friday, August 9, 2013

Heroes and Heroines, Fictional or Real?

by Diana McCollum


There are so many heroes and heroines it’s hard for me to choose just one. 
On that note, I’m picking my little sister

We were not “girlfriend close” when we were young, because of a seven year age difference.  We always shared a bedroom  and by the time I was fourteen years old, she was seven years old and in my “stuff”.

After we grew up, married, and had children we became friends.  Over the years we sometimes lived close to each other, and sometimes thousands of miles apart.  No internet or cell phones back then so communication was letters and Christmas cards

What I admire her for are the things she’s overcome in her life.  I’m not going to touch on all those things as they are personal and medical diagnosis etc. 

I will tell you she is legally blind in one eye a complication of one of the medical conditions she has experienced.  In spite of that she is a dedicated writer.  I admire that.

Now my sister and I are pursuing the same dream, becoming published authors.  She and our friend, Judith, and I are collaborating on an Anthology to be published in January 2014. 

Sister dearest is one of my critique partners.  Believe me she doesn’t sugar coat anything!  We brainstorm well together, we bolster each other up when we’re down, and we listen to each other.

In my personal life she is my savior, my sounding board, and my shoulder to unload on.  Her advice is always sound and on spot.  My life would be so empty if she wasn’t in it.  She is my best friend, and I love her dearly.

I am popping a virtual bottle of Champagne and toasting you, little sister, for all you are and all you do.  

Oh, yeah, here’s some virtual chocolate too!!  There’s enough for everyone!!


Here’s to you Sister extraordinaire, confidant, best friend, and one of our Blog Queens, Sarah Raplee(McDermed) 

8 comments:

Shobhan Bantwal said...

Diana,

You are lucky to have such a warm and friendly relationship with your sister. As one of five girls, I too have come to appreciate and cherish all my siblings in adulthood, so I can totally relate to your sister being your very own hero. Enjoyed reading this post.

Diana McCollum said...

Thanks for your kind comment, Shobhan.

Judith Ashley said...

Without Sarah, there'd be no Romancing The Genres much less our Free Reads from the Genre-istas...and I'd still be back in my techno-frozen state at the idea of even doing this.

Joining you in cyber champagne and chocolate, Diana!

Sarah Raplee said...

Wow!!!

I'm honored that you blogged about me this month, Sister! It's hard to think of myself as a hero, but thank you for acknowledging the hardships I've gotten through. And thank you for being my best friend and big sister! You inspired me to get serious about writing.

I love you bunches!

Sarah Raplee said...

You give me too much credit, Judith! You are my full and equal partner in crime when it comes to RTG and FRFG! but thank you for the kind words.

Diana McCollum said...

Judith, When Sarah gets an idea, watch out! I admire her for sticking to and following through with you on the blog and free reads!I know it takes a lot of time away from writing and other pursuits.

Sarah, I mean every word of the blog. Of course, there is so much more I could say, but I think you know how much you mean to me. I couldn't be too specific because you never know who will read the blog. You know how much you've helped me especially these
past two years!

Paty Jager said...

Diana, I don't think you could have picked a better hero to write about. Sarah has been my hero ever since I met her at an RWA meeting.

I'm happy my girls(closer in age at 18 months apart) who fought a lot growing up because they were such opposites are now best friends and call each other every week and kabitz about their kids, husbands and life.

I'm the middle kid sandwiched between two brothers. Growing up I always lamented I wished I had a sister until one day my dad sat me down and said, "You have to stop saying that it hurts your mom because you almost had a sister." It wasn't until I was an adult that my mom told me about "losing" my sister.

But I've found many sisters in the writing world and don't know what I would do without them.

Diana McCollum said...

What a wonderful comment, Paty. My son always wanted a brother. He was sandwiched between two girls. How sad your mom loss a baby.