Happy Birthday Little Sister!

When I was growing up I wanted a sister. I was the oldest and then I had two brothers younger than me. When my second brother was born I was very disappointed that he was not a girl. I was very close to some of my cousins growing up and they had 3 girls in their family. I loved going to visit them.

I wanted to have a sister to share my bedroom.

I wanted someone who would talk and laugh late into the night with me.

I wanted someone to share my clothes.

My friends who had sisters thought I was crazy when I would tell them this.

God did answer my prayers just not in my timing. Twenty-one years ago today my first sister was born. I still remember sitting in my great-grandma's living room when the phone rang. I sat there so anxiously expecting to hear that I had another brother. But much to my surprise and delight at the age of 11 1/2 I had a little sister!

Those of you who know me and my family know that not only did God answer my prayer He gave me more than I could have ever anticipated and I now have four sisters. My sisters are some of my closest friends in my life and I am so very thankful for all of them.

But today I am especially thankful for Rose, my very first sister.

Rose, you will always have a very special place in my heart. You were God's answer to my many years of praying. I have so many memories but these are a few that have come to mind today.

I remember the blizzard the day you were born.

I remember the day you prayed to accept God's gift of salvation.

I remember how excited you were when we got our dog, Sammy.

I remember when you were 8 years old and your picture won best of show in the youth section (up to age 18) and your picture was in the paper.

I remember taking you to the penny change park the day after mom's funeral to celebrate your 11th birthday.

I remember watching with great pride as you gave the valedictorian speech at your high school graduation.

I have so many memories of laughing with you, celebrating holidays, and birthdays.

Twenty-one years ago today my life changed forever when God answered my prayer and gave me a little sister.