To Jenny, my little sis.

Today is my sister's birthday.
She is 28!
Finally a grown up. (smile)
My sister is my best friend.
And I can truly say, I have never met a kinder, sweeter, more giving person than her.
I'm sure she gleaned most of those qualities from me. Not!
I remember when I was about five years old, thinking that having two brothers was great...but I was definitely missing out.
Dressing my younger brother in a dress and curling his hair, was not all it was cracked up to be.
My greatest desire was for a little sister.
So I began to pray.
Every.Single.Night.
I dreamed of what it would be like to have a sister.
I imagined all the wonderful things we would do together.
The years went by and I became a little desperate.
Begging my mom and dad for a sister.
As if they could decide to pop one out on command.
I had very serious talks with God about my NEED for a sister.
And God decided to answer my little girl prayers.
When I was 8 years old, my precious sister was born.
I died and went to heaven.
Figuratively speaking.
From the minute she entered the world, she was mine.

I loved her with all of my heart.
I couldn't wait for her to share a room with me.
I remember I begged to have her crib in my room.
My mom obliged.
She was cool like that.
Then, when she was about two, I decided it was time to share a bed.
We did until I was in the 8th grade.
From the minute her hair grew long enough, I was her stylist.
Jenny really was the sweetest little girl.
She didn't have an ounce of brat in her.
And she was cuter than a bugs ear, and still is!

I tease my mom about having it so easy with Jenny.
We lived on a 200 acre bible college campus.
We were home-schooled.
As kids we had free reign, and we always brought little Jenny on our adventures.
I often fought with my brother about who "got Jenny" for the day!
To this day, my sister is still my very best friend.
She is the most supportive person I have ever known.
She loves my kids like they were her own.
And she gives and loves unconditionally.
I cherish her.

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.
She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.
She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.
She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.
~ Barbara Alpert

To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or a confidant; it is to have a soul mate for life.
~Victoria Secunda

Did I mention she is a boat load of fun!
She also enjoys jumping in photos.
She often says, "Hey Julie, get one of me jumping!"
And so I do.
She's impressive.
And she wasn't even a cheerleader.


So today, as with everyday, I am thankful for my sister.
The answer to my childhood prayers.
Jenny, I am so proud of the woman that you have become,
and of the amazing wife that you are to Kevin.
May this year be one that is filled with God's goodness.
I pray that He will richly bless you, as you continue to seek Him in all that you do.
You are an inspiration to this old sister of yours.
And know that it is true when I say...
A closer friend I'd never find than the one I call my sister!
Happy Birthday.



Don't forget, tomorrow is Mom n' Me Monday.
I would love to see your smiling faces!