This past summer I was graced with the opportunity to attend an International Convention for my fraternity and there I found myself in the company of over 800 women who share the same values and experiences as me.  It was a beautiful experience.  Being around that many accomplished, intelligent, and compassionate women is an experience that can only be understood through feelings – words cannot do it justice.  At that Convention I felt loved. I was (and I still am) wholly and utterly loved by my sisters.  However, my intention is not to flaunt my sisterhood – some people take part in Greek life and others do not – it was the right choice for me but it is not for everyone.  I simply wanted to create an image of sorority life before proceeding to the more difficult topic of this piece.  Over the past two weeks my fraternity has lost two sisters – young women in their prime.  I did not know Olivia or Carli, from Alpha and Nu Beta chapter respectively, but I know Alpha Omicron Pi and by virtue of that I know what type of women they were before their passing.  They shone with an inner light of sisterhood and joy.  They were not perfect but they loved their chapters, their local sisters, and their international sisters too.  They were beautiful inside and out.  My heart goes out to the families of both sisters.  My thoughts and prayers are also with the sisters of the chapters (active and alumnae) affected by Olivia and Carli’s passings.  ALAM to all of you.