August 11

Dear Sissy
(Pilgrass, Tom/Barbie, Beef, Billy Bob (although, I never personally called you that. Why, oh why did Dad ever start that...?) and all of the other nicknames you have had in your lifetime):

Happy Birthday! How is your first day of no longer being a teenager? I still felt so young when I was your age but for you it seems much older. And the 4 year gap between us seems smaller than it ever has. Somewhere in the last few years you went from being my younger sister to being my best friend.

I am so proud of the woman that you have become. Your faith is so strong. I'm really proud of the way that you have handled yourself over the last few months.

You are so funny; I very much enjoy having a nice giggle with you. I love all of the adventures we have been on: Thanks for assisting me with the "pot roast removal." No one else truly understands. (Sorry about your shoes.) Sorry for torturing you for so long (years, right?) about breaking the Disney World Resort door and threatening to tell mom and dad. (Just so you know, I'm pretty sure it was like that before we got there.) I miss Jones sandwiches. I still can't believe you danced all the way to school all those mornings just because I threatened to pull over if you didn't. (I never would have really done that. Ha, but you really are gullible.) I wish we could still restrain Trey by tying him to a chair with belts. I'm cracking up thinking about how you wore that bandaid on your forehead after your "ski accident." You didn't really need it; I'm sorry for telling you that you did, Ralphie.

You care so much about people and are a good friend.

Thank you for being my maid of honor.

You have very good taste in clothing and accessories (perhaps you could be a little more generous about letting me borrow things...?).

I once (or twice or 100 times) said that God gave us to each other people He knew neither of us couldn't handle our crazy family alone. That has never been more true than in the last year.

I love you.