H a p p y. On "Happy's" Day.

I have this friend who randomly showers Peanut with gifts.


One day, it was a red plaid [very hip] top. Another time it was chocolate covered sunflower seeds in every color of the rainbow. I asked her once [okay, maybe more like seven] to watch Peanut and, upon accepting her new acquired package [Peanut], she took her to Panda Express [her favorite].  

Needless to say, Peanut loves [wishing there was a bigger font ;) ] her. (And her random gifts. But the best part is the love she shows me & my little family.)

She is an incredibly, devoted mother. Raising four kids of her own.

One night, not too long ago, when my own heart was too tender for words, she turned up at my door [with "d" her incredible husband]. She hugged me. And I cried. I was all grown up[as I'm going to be anyway], independent and [semi] strong. But life was/is hard. And I felt weak. Sad. Broken. And lost.

She/they filled me up. She is my strength. My courage. My listener. My comfort.

She is my sister.

And, in that moment, of seemingly utter despair, I needed her more than I ever had. And she was there. 

She was there.   She always is there.

My sister is hilarious.  This is a new[ish] trait of hers I have recently noticed.  She is fiercely loyal.  I admire her candor.  She is talented at about everything but cooking which is why I loved this photo so much.

She bakes lots - - but it's outside baking - - in the sun - - and what's being "baked" is her skin.
Happy married "D" when I was 7 1/2.  SO while I remember growing up with her, most of my memories of her include "d".  Which makes me HAPPY.  They are so  much fun to hang out with [see "d" below....what a sport]

After she left for the "married life"  - - - I actually got to see her... more.  And spend the night at their place.  And they had an eight track player and a bird.  It was awesome.  They made me an "aunt" when I was just eight years old.  Her oldest son feels more like a little brother to me.  And that makes me smile.

So what ?? that she flunked PE two years in a row.  The girl is a clean freak and sweat was not her favorite.  However, she is one of the hardest workers I know.  The only person I know who can spend six hours in her 90% rock filled yard doing "yard work". 

Did I mention she loves the Suns?  Talk about "loyal".  They stink!

Look up the words:  "thoughtful", "loyal" & "perfectionist" her name will be in the definitions.

An email here. A hug there. A forever prayer in her heart. A text just to "check in". A moment of understanding. Her pristine example and her stalwart belief that people can change and hope is the best four letter word.  ever.

Sisterhood has shaped my life.

My sister's are sacred and dear to me.

"Happy" the way you live your life - - - changes mine. It's what YOU do. You never stop.

And I love you forever for it.

It doesn't really matter that we are 13 years apart & that I don't remember much of living WITH you.

I think there are three things that will always be true.  I will never really grow up. I need  love.  And I will always need you as my sister [my friend].



Always.

Happy Birthday "Happy".
 
We love you.
And thanks for my nickname.
 
Love,
Emz