We were in college at Florida State University when my twin sister began to discern a vocation. At first, I was surprised but that quickly faded when I began to see her joy and excitement as she visited different religious orders. The biggest fear for me at that time was losing her. I knew once she made this commitment, she would be far away and I would only be able to see her a few weeks a year. Communication would be limited and I couldn’t just pick up the phone and call her whenever I wanted. She was my twin and this idea was extremely difficult to accept. I remember that August day in 1998 when we hugged goodbye in the driveway of my parent’s home.
Sr. Therese Marie made her final vows in 2006. It was a beautiful day and so full of joy and excitement. I knew she was where she was meant to be. Seeing her happy and fulfilled brought me so much peace personally. I think the hardest part for me in her vocation was to be so far away as I raised children of my own. It is difficult to see her only once a year- kids change and grow so much within a year. What I never expected was the graces and joys that we have been blessed with in my family due to her vocation. We try and visit every few years and my children are able to witness the beauty and joy of religious life. We are able to have mass and share meals with the community and have made memories my kids cherish. Simple memories like hikes with Aunt “Diane” down to the creek, sledding down hills and landing in the woods, and playing football with the sisters on Thanksgiving weekend. My children would never have been able to experience these personal encounters with religious life if she had not joined.
My fears have diminished through the years and been replaced with thanksgiving. My children have a very close relationship with her that I know is fostered by the quality time they get with her when she visits. They have an aunt they can turn to at any time for spiritual advice and support. They are able to approach discernment in their own vocations because religious life is tangible to them. They’ve experienced it from a positive, beautiful perspective. Her witness to my family is crucial in having them understand the beauty of our Church and our faith – she laid down her life to serve Jesus and His Church. What more could I ask for?
