Really need some professional help. Thanks a lot

I really need some professional help and opion:

In July 2006, my sister in Canada was opening her store. She urgently needed money. As a big sister, I wire transfered $49000 to her through bank. That time, she verbably promised to pay me back in one year over the phone.

Now 2 years and 4 months has passed, she said she did not know when she would pay back. I called her only one time in March this year. After the phone conversation, it really broke my heart. I have feeling she will never pay me back.

I don't know what to say. As a single mother, I try very hard to raise my nine-year-old son by myself. I saved all I can save to get that money and try to buy a house or an apartment for me and my son.

I know because of the $49000, I lost a sister.

Sometimes, I think she is my sister, I should give her a break. But it seems she will never want to pay me back.

Can I hire a lawyer to sue her? I am in the U.S.A and she is in Canada.

Saving this $49000 is very hard for me, I just want my hard working money back. If I hire a lawyer, is it worth it?

Anyway, my sister did not call me in two years. I called her, she tried to ignore all these issues.

Thanks a lot for your opion and help.