happy birthday, baby girl!

clink clink clink

I'd like to ask that everyone raise their imaginary glasses, so that I may take a moment to say a few words to the beautiful birthday girl....

Because I don't want to wait to say the things we hold in our hearts until some perceived perfect or socially acceptable moment, I'd like to make a toast. Because I don't want to miss the chance...any chance...to let you know how special you are, and to celebrate the joy you bring to so many, I'd like you to know:

Sister -- You are captivating. 

If I close my eyes, I can hear your little voice calling for me down the hall, your clock radio dialed to a country music station, a Berenstain Bear book laying across your lap when I get to your room. I can see the potions created together from mud and leaves in the backyard, and our kiddie pool filled with the cut grass you inevitably dragged in with your tiny toes, even though I begged you to use the pre-pool feet wash-bucket, first. I can smell our freshly bathed Johnson & Johnson skin lounging together on Mom and Dad's bed, one of us holding up the hand mirror at the wicker vanity while Dad gently blow dried our hair, while the other waited her turn, head wrapped in towel, babbling about our day. I can feel the energy of dancing in the living room, asking for "the square song" to be put on one more time, or dressing up so that our poor parents could watch our 18th dance performance to the entire Aladdin soundtrack. I remember so much about growing up with you by my side, and I have loved every minute of it.

Even minutes like...

Once, when you were in high school and I a college newbie, I remember us being in the car about to leave the mall together. I remember you getting a call from home and I remember the look on your face when you turned to me while blatantly blaming whatever it was you were getting in trouble for (you so rarely got in trouble, you'd think I'd remember) on your big sister. You looked so frantically apologetic, and I could sense the desperate plea of don'tbemadandalsopleasesayyes so clearly that I remember having no choice but to roll my eyes and say "It's fine. I'll get this one". 

I'd take the fall for you any day, kid.

I want you to know that while our sisterhood has always been deeply important to me, I can now say without a shadow of a doubt that it has become the absolute most rewarding relationship of my life. To continue to grow into these chapters of adulthood together--to feel so supported and encouraged by someone who has intimately experienced the same ups and downs of being a family -- is a wonderfully magic thing. And to have you finally, as of just a few years ago, give up resisting my crazy need to always hug and kiss and cuddle you...to win your acceptance and reciprocation of this love language... is a victory I am willing to brag about for days. If there were medals for this, I would wear mine daily. 

Belle, there are millions of sisters all over the world, and the dynamics of each are unique and so often incredibly beautiful. Some of these sisters are related by blood, while others by pure, vibrant, energy of the heart.

And I, birthday girl, hit the jackpot when I got both in you.

Love you forever.

Cheers,

T