My sister....

I have a sister.  A woman eight years older than me (I like to point this out whenever possible.) whose job is so very important.  She deals daily with life and hope and even death.  I find her beyond courageous, generous and giving.  She is about to embark on a trip to a third world country to improve medical care for thousands of women.  In many ways, she is my hero.

It hasn't always been this way.  However, up until I reached puberty, as seems to be when everything turned topsy-turvy for me anyway, I idolized her.  She was the most popular girl in her high school.  Everyone wanted to be her friend, and I found this simply wonderful.  Obviously she was smart and she was an extrememly gifted athlete.  All of this in one person was amazing and I wanted to be just like her.  

I could go on and on about why this didn't happen and blame moving around from place to place, but in reality, it just wasn't meant to be.  I really don't know why I didn't turn out like her, and throughout the years, not being like her meant I was a failure.  

I wonder sometimes if this is why we have had some tumultous moments in our relationship.  She is opinionated and very strong in her beliefs.  But I know without a shadow of a doubt there is not one single thing she wouldn't do for me, my family and her own family.  She parents her daughters with the power of a mother bear.  And this is what works for her.  I love her but I am not her.  I am ok with that because truly, the world only has room for her.  She is simply that wonderful.

And on another note....

I dare you not to giggle!

happymommy