For My Sister

I suffered from bullying as a child and bare both physical and emotional scars to this day. I also became a bully myself for a short time in junior high before I had a painful wake-up call. I've seen both sides of the coin. It is a vicious cycle that needs to stop and to do that we need to stop the hate that causes it.

But I did not pose for myself. I posed for my sister. We are not related by blood. We met when we were young teens in 4-H and became close friends. Inseparable. Sisters. We went through a lot of hard times together and a lot of good times together. There was little we didn't share. So it was really hard on me when she moved away after college, but I knew it was for the best.

Her move turned out better for her in ways neither of us thought possible though. She met her partner. I'd always known she was bi. I honestly didn't care if she chose a man or a woman. I just wanted her to be happy. Her wife has made her happier than any man she ever dated. Plus in their union, she became a mom. Thus I have the most adorable niece ever.

Unfortunately, they have had their share of hard times and criticism. So I posed for them. I posed for my sister and her family. I posed because a family doesn't need to be made of people related by blood to be happy and full of love.