Three of a Kind

What usually constitutes a decent poker hand, means, in this case, three girls very closely related, but not sisters, who love to be together.

We are not sisters, but might as well be. We are double cousins. Double what? You say. Ok, let me explain. Our mother’s who are sisters, married brothers. We have almost the same genes and lots of similar idiosyncrasies with the joy of not being siblings.

Jonel and I are 2 months and 7 days a part, Jennifer and I are 3 years, 7 months and 9 days apart. I’ve never had a sister, but in reality I have two. Both of them bring a lot of joy to my life.

Jonel is the most talented music teacher I know. She works in a school in a low income Tucson neighborhood bringing orchestra to life for children who would probably never get the opportuntity. When offered the chance to take over a well-rounded established program, she turned it down to build a fledgling program in a struggling school system. As a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, she could go anywhere, but true to her gentle ways she has chosen to help where there is no glamour, but the potential for gratification is huge.

Jennifer is a doctor. One who isn’t afraid to buck the system. She is a medical doctor, but that doesn’t mean she has to be beholden by anyone. She wants to help people, she stretches the limits, works beyond modern medicine and uses good old common sense. “Eat Bacon?!” She asks incredulously, “It’s my favorite food.” You see, she is a foodie, addicted to anything that might tempt the palate. She is also a terrific athlete, running marathons at regular intervals. She, too, is a humanitarian. She spent a rotation in Africa helping the less fortunate. And continues to look for other opportunities to give.

I remember as children we played on the ranch, where I was queen because I was a cowgirl and unafraid. And we played in the cities in which they lived. Once, we talked our Grandmother into taking us to a rated ‘R’ movie when we were in our pre-teens. She was horrified as she sat next to us and we covered our eyes for the love scene.

The three of us can go for months sometimes without communicating and then pick up right where we left off.

I am a very lucky person. Three of a kind is a good hand to hold. Especially if on either side the cards are people you love.