My sissy-ter's birthday

It's my sissy's birthday today. She's 11 years older than me. When I was very little we shared a bedroom. She'd lovingly (begrudgingly) let me crawl in bed with her in the middle of the night... usually after I'd had an accident in my own bed.

When I was 5 we moved to a new house and each had our own room. My memories of her then turn to silly things like wanting to play my sesame street 45 on her record player but having to listen to the entire Bread album before I could hear my 3 minute song. Things like equal time were beyond my grasp so I'd just sit and listen.

When I was 9 she got married. Okay technically I was 8 - it was the day before my birthday. She was so good to make sure I didn't feel forgotten or overshadowed - or at least I assume everyone was because I don't have any bad memories about it. I remember a great time and she even danced with me at the reception.

When I was 12 her first daughter was born. I remember holding Kierstyn and looking at maryanne totally in awe that she'd done that. And at the time in my limited opinion she'd done it all alone! Within 5 years - there were 2 more angels. Every summer (or it seemed like it) I'd go down or out or over or up to vist them. The Air Force not only had them seeing all areas of the states - I did too. I've visited California, Shreveport, Omaha and Texas. The only station I didn't visit was D.C.

One summer, I spent my vacation in Mer-dead! Ok - the name was really Merced - but being a snotty teen I was convinced it was dead. I did get to see some beautiful country and lots of cows. Happy cows come from California don't ya know! They also took me to the coolest aquarium and bought me a sweatshirt that I still have - what 20 years later. Didn't say it fits!!!

Now, I'm a mom - and although I don't always choose to follow the same parenting ways (okay rarely choose to) - I still am amazed at the beautiful women she's raised. And she's managed to do it all with grace and dignity.

Manny-anne - Happy Birthday! I love you!!