A true example of Sisterhood on the Road

Last week I found out that my grandfather has cancer. Non Hodgkin's lymphoma to be exact. I was in the middle of my visit with Tau Delta chapter at Birmingham Southern College, and literally in between officer meetings when I got the call from my mom. I tried to stay positive and keep my emotions under control so that I could do my job which is exactly what I did.

Later that night, the women held a ritual so that I could see one during my visit, and afterwards I discussed with them the importance of finding what ritual means to them and I also shared with them what ritual means to me and some of my favorite parts of ritual. Well, when I was talking about one of the parts of ritual that stood out to me, everything I had found out about my grandfather hit me and I got emotional and ending up sharing with the women about my grandfather's cancer and how it is hard being away from my family at this time. The girls were really understanding, and because I don't like to cry in front of people, I quickly pulled myself together and moved on.

The next day I was continuing my officer meetings and after my meeting with the Philanthropy chair, Jessica, she reached into her bag and handed me a candy bar. I of course thanked her and she said that I would understand when I read the card, so she handed me an envelope and left. I of course opened the card and this is what I read.

"Blair,
My mom used to give me Hershey's chocolate whenever I was sad or upset or just having a hard time. I became reliant on the Hershey's to get me through the petty drama of middle school, the difficulties of high school, and the unfortunate twists of everyday life. When I came to college, I was afraid because no one was going to be there to give me Hershey's. I could but it myself, but it wouldn't be the same. Well, I miss my mom's Hershey bars, but God gave me something better. My sisters became my Hershey bar, and AOII is my Hershey's. When I'm hurting, my sisters are there and when all else fails, AOII is there. There to remind me that love and friendship is everlasting and real, and that I can be a light to others.
Thank you so much for coming and staying with us this week. Than you for offering advice and being so supportive of this period of change and transition in our chapter. Thanks for reminding us to be thankful for each other. Thanks for pointing out what it means and what we represent when we wear our letters because I AM that girl who wears Norts and a t-shirt everyday. Thanks, most importantly, for sharing whats going on in your life. I know how hard it is to be away from family and friends and to be the new girl each week. I hope you know I am praying for your family, and I hope you get to be with your family soon. You always have a home at Tau Delta!!
Lots of Alpha love and Hershey's,
Jessica McCurry, Tau Delta"

We all talk about how we are all connected because we are AOII's and the bonds that we have as sisters, and I now understand how that connection is real and how I do have sisters on the road while I travel. And even when they don't really know me, they are still there encouraging me and supporting me along the way.
Thank you to the ladies of Tau Delta for reminding me and truly showing me what sisterhood is all about.

Let your lights shine,
Blair