Ode to Big Sister

Today is a very special day…not just because the Olympics begin today, but because it is my sister’s birthday!

I am deeply grateful for the many blessings in my life, and Big Sister is most certainly one of them.  Those who know my sister will know her to be possessed of the most generous and loving spirit.She is kind, funny, loving, supportive and fiercely protective of those she loves (particularly her little sister).  Even on days when I don’t know much of anything, I know that my sister has ALWAYS got my back!

She is an amazing role model for me and any woman….mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, pastor, leader, speaker, business woman, runner, shoenista(lover of fabulous shoes). She fulfills each of these roles with amazing aplomb, juggling it all and still leaving time to eat cheesecake and drink cappuccinos with me.  She is one of my favorite people to go shopping with (did I mention that she’s a Shoenista?)

While I consider that I had a idyllic childhood growing up in a wonderful loving family, I’d be telling a bold faced lie if I said that it was not without its “quirks” (read: dysfunction).  I realize that the idyllic nature of my childhood was due in large part to Big Sister protecting me. Even to this day she continues to look out for me and my brother. We are very lucky because in addition to having a wonderful loving mother, we’ve also been raised in many ways by Big Sister.  She deserves a great deal of credit for me being the woman I am today.  She has taught me so many important lessons. When I was a teenager I remember her telling me to always make sure I had enough money to get home when I went on a date… a lesson I have never forgotten. These days, every conversation with her while being fun, also leaves me with a lesson or some clarity about something. She continues to help me learn about forgiveness, healing and peace,  and for that I am so grateful. Above all those things however, what I probably admire the most about my sister is her deep and constant faith and her constant striving to be a better version of herself in every moment.  Each time I talk to her I learn so much, about life, about love and about myself.  She is a true woman of spirit!

I should also say that is responsible for some of the other blessings of my life…namely my brother-in-law and my wonderful nephews.  Anyone who’s ever had a conversation with me will know how much I adore my babies. I am the proud Aunt of 5 lovely young men. (3 courtesy of Big Sis and Brother-In-Law and 2 courtesy of my brother and sister-in-law).  My nephews are the sweetest, smartest, most loving, funny, wise and compassionate kids you could ever hope to meet. My sisters sons are a testament to her (and her husband of course).

Yes Big Sister is EVERYWOMAN and it is most definitely all in her!

So Big Sis, Happy Birthday to you. Even though we are separated by an oceans, I am celebrating you today.  I am so grateful that you are my sister and my friend. I am filled with admiration and respect for you. I am proud of all your accomplishments and I love you with all my heart!