Happy Birthday, Sissy!

This is a personal birthday tribute to my beautiful sister, Donna. If the rest of the world wants to read it (OK, my few loyal readers), that's fine, too. I just want her to know how much she means to me. So, if you can't handle sappy (like I have any male readers), you might want to come back tomorrow.

Donna, you are an incredible sister! As our past together strolls down memory lane I am reminded of the huge part you have always played in my life. I'm thinking about the years we shared a bedroom, talking and laughing through the night, grateful for the plastic sheet on our bed, "breastfeeding" our dolls that were lined up on the headboard, harmonizing (you) through a medley of songs so that washing dishes became a tolerable chore, splashing in the lake and water skiing together, swapping clothes in our teenage years, sharing secrets and dreams, and cementing ourselves into a sisterhood and friendship that would be a blessing for life.

I'm remembering good times and bad times, and all the times we were there for each other. When you were down, I tried my best to come to your rescue, always believing in you, always admiring you, always loving you as only a sister will. And through my past and present heartaches and trials, you have stood beside me with unwavering support and love. You have always gone the extra mile for me, no matter what the circumstances, and I love you for it.

And as if I couldn't love you more, I found out I actually could when I witnessed what an amazing aunt you are. You did so many fun things with my kids, endearing them to you forever. Thank you for all the fun trips, the sleepovers, the sincere interest in them, and, yes, bringing Angela home at midnight when she realized Mom and Dad weren't there. All three of my kids grew up loving their Aunt Donna. Thank you for wanting to share in their lives. I know I was proud to share my loving sister with them.

I know we both have areas in our lives that we'd like to forget ever happened, but that is true of everyone. No one is perfect. But what I love about sisters is that we accept and don't judge. It's so on the mark what is said about pointing a finger. There are three fingers pointing back at us. Thanking you for looking past my mistakes and loving me as your sister, regardless.

And thank you for everything we have shared over the years, all the songs we sang with your beautiful alto voice bringing in the harmony, all the laughter, the times we were privileged to be the other's maid or matron of honor, all the fun and all the tears and all the sussies! You are my treasured Sissy.

Here we are on Father's Day with the first man we ever fell in love with.
Donna and Deborah at one of our Girls Night Out. How special having a friendship that began in the 3rd grade!
Donna and Deborah when we had our slumber party at my house. Girls just want to have fun!
And, finally, my favorite picture of Sissy. It shows her beautiful smile, her fun side, her knee-slapping I-made-a-funny that she is known for. Have a wonderful birthday, Sissy, and know that your big sissy loves you with all her heart. You are beautiful inside and out and that is true beauty!