Sister Golden Hair Surprise...

Today is my sister's 35th birthday. She is, ahem...the Younger One. Actually, she is the youngest of the three of us. Poor thing...she has suffered for it. She was the one we used as a guinea pig -- like the time we busted her lip open trying a circus trick in the living room. She was my Solid Gold Dancer partner, the co-writer of our song lyrics (the LOOOOVE BOAT....a,a,a,a,a,at NINE O'ClOCK) <~~~only she will appreciate that one. She was my tag-a-long when I went to a friend's house, the baby when we'd play house, the one who always made Barbie and Ken kiss "like they do on soap operas".

She was BORN with her own mind and way of doing things. I remember the day she came home. I had prayed for a baby sister with blonde hair and blue eyes. I remember that vividly...when I said I wanted the baby to be a sister, my mother told me to pray to God and ask for that. So I did. And He listened, all except for the part where I wanted her to look just like my Mrs. Beasley doll. In hindsight, that is a good thing. He really does know what's best. But I got that baby sister, and with the exception of a few years from ages 12-18, I have been very happy to have her.

And, though we used and abused her status as the little one (she could always get Mom or Dad to relent on whatever the issue was at the time), often she has been the trailblazer of the family. The first to do many things....some even good! She is, and always has been, wildly ambitious and intelligent. When something gets into her head or heart that she wants to do, she will do it or die trying. I admire that in her. It can be frustrating from the perspective of cautious older sister...always scared she'll be hurt or disappointed. But admirable still.

Recently, this baby we've spent so many years protecting and loving tells us she's getting MARRIED. WHAAAAAT?!!!? My world just went upside down! This person, the same one who has denounced marriage and all it involves, is -- dare I say it, in LOVE? (She'll gag when she reads this!) Whoa.

See, in my mind, she's not old enough for this. She's still six years old, with long pigtails and no front teeth. She's still my baby. But, I am SO happy for her at the same time. I want so much for her. I want him to be everything to her in 50 years that he is today. I want them to have one of those marriages that people look at and say, "That's what I want." And, though I know that no one or nothing can prepare them for the roller-coaster that lies ahead, I know he is getting a partner who can handle anything. I hope she is, too.

I know she won't ASK me for any advice, but my genetics make it impossible not to give it anyway. So here it is:

Be kind to each other. Respect that he is not you and you are not him. Know that there is more than one way to do many things. Hold hands. Let the little things go. Walk away when all you can think of to say is something negative. Don't try to keep up with the Joneses. Pray for each other. Know that all humans will fail us eventually, but you can always turn to God. Laugh together often. Do things separately sometimes. Have your own friends. Tell the other that they are appreciated. Love the other's family. Listen to your gut--ALWAYS.

I love you, little sister. I hope I have been as good a sister to you as you have to me. I wish you all the happiness the world has to hold...today and always.