To the Best Sister In the World on Her Birthday

Best Sister Best SisterDear Janelle (AKA, the best sister EVER):

Have I ever told you that Tuesday is one of my favorite days of the week? Why, you ask? Because it’s the first day we’re both home together after you’ve been working all weekend!! And what double luck that today is Tuesday AND your 33rd birthday!

Now I know that you don’t like these mushy lovey-dovey displays of affection (and you’ve even told me how much you hate the word “lovey-dovey”), but it is your birthday and I’ll make this short and sweet!

This year, I wish you could see just how far you’ve come over the years. You’ve grown so much and have worked so hard to get to where you are. That is definitely something to celebrate and I know you’ve never been one to brag about yourself, but if ever there was a time to brag…NOW WOULD BE THAT TIME!!

Remember when you were little and we’d call you the Little Blonde Girl? Well, that girl has grown into a compassionate, gentle, strong, sweet, wonderful WOMAN who is doing so much good in this world. You’re a light in this world, and I thank you for lighting up my life every single day!

You and I make a pretty good team, don’t you think? Sometimes I even think that we were meant to be sisters; of all the billions of people in the world, WE got each other, and that’s a pretty special gift, if you ask me.

Best SisterI texted you this photo over the weekend while I was shopping, and as I’ve said before, I think Frozen captures us perfectly. You’ll always be the Elsa to my Anna. They were two sisters who were always there for each other and who saved each other in the end. I hope you know that I’ll always be here for you, just as you’ve always been here for me.

So, today, I hope you allow yourself to feel some joy, even if only a little bit. You deserve all the joy in the world because you bring joy to so many. I love you and I look forward to our future Sister Adventures together!! Thank you for being the best sister in the whole world… xoxo

Dear Janelle: On Your 30th Birthday!

Dear Janelle:

I know you get “embarrassed” when I blog about you, but since I’m your older sister, it’s sort of my responsibility to toot my own horn about you on your birthday. I’m just doing my job. I can’t help it that you make the bragging part so easy!

But, as birthday gift to you, I will make this short and sweet. It’s your 30th birthday, a milestone in which you instinctively want to look to the past. At all the mistakes you thought you made. At all the times you didn’t feel like you quite measured up. At all the things you wish you could do over.

Well, as your big sis (I’ve got four extra years of life knowledge, remember, so I know what I’m talking about!), I’m here to tell you this simple truth: None of it matters. I don’t want you to look back today because where you are right now? My gosh, you’ve come so far. I just want you to see that and to see yourself for who you really are — one heck of an amazing woman!

And, really, if I’m being honest, I should be the one who looks up to you. I just want to bottle up your grace and wisdom and spirit because that is what life is all about. So please love yourself — today and always. You know I’ll always love you and will be here for you always. I love you, Sister Bear… xoxo

P.S. More Janelle love: Her 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th birthdays.

Happy Birthday, Janelle: 3 lessons you’ve taught me…

Dear Janelle:

I know, I know. You said you didn’t want me to post about your birthday, but you should know me better than that by now. After all, I write about my life, and suffice it to say, you’re a pretty huge part of it, so here we are.

First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You’re the big 29 today, and that fact alone baffles me. How can that be? It seems like it was just yesterday when we were in the living room making elaborate ramps for our Matchbox cars. Or putting on glamorous fashion shows for our Barbies. But, obviously, we’re not children anymore. We’re adults. Where some sisters drift apart as time marches forward, I like to think you and I have only grown closer. I’ll be the first to admit that our life has had its share of ups and downs, but I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather share this roller coaster ride with. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m proud to say that we’ve been through it together. Partners in crime, even. I may be the older sister, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today with you. I’ve learned so much about love and life from you. Don’t believe me? Here are three lessons that top my list…

1. A kind heart goes a long way: You were voted Most Kind-Hearted in elementary school. Do you remember that? You’re always kind to everyone you meet, and I’ve long admired that quality. Not everyone has that sort of kindness in their hearts, so it’s something that should most definitely be treasured when you do find it. After all, the world could use all the kindness it can get. Thank you for being a friend.

2. Giving up is not an option: When you were little, you once stayed outside all day until you’d mastered learning to ride a bike. We were all in awe of your sheer willpower. Over the years — from things like college to exercising — you’ve taught me that persistence really does pay off. Even after Father died, you never gave up. Even through your own struggles, you never gave up. And for that, I am forever inspired. Thank you for being a friend.

3. Be who you are: I absolutely love your quirky self, so please never lose that side of yourself. It’s a beautiful side. You’ve taught me to be unapologetic in who I am and to not care so much about what people think. It’s amazing how freeing it is, don’t you think? And did I mention how utterly real you are? You’re probably the only person in the whole world who I can count on for an honest opinion. About anything and everything. As we say, you always “tell it like it is,” and I’m a better person because of that. Thank you for being a friend.

Happy birthday, sister! You may be my sister, but even more important, you’re my BEST FRIEND in the whole wide world. I couldn’t ask for a better, funnier, cuter, more honest friend. Thank you for always being there and for all the good times. Here’s to many more years of good times — and millions of smiles. I love you more than you’ll ever know, Sister Bear!! xoxo

Do you have any siblings?

Happy National Siblings Day, friends — that most glorious of days when we all take a moment or two to pause and really appreciate our siblings. Founded by Claudia Evart following the tragic death of her brother and sister, the day has even been recognized by 40 governors.

“Like many, I have these pictures of my brother and sister, who are both gone, but remain with me daily, not just in these pictures, but in my daily thoughts and in my heart. I lost both of them in tragic accidents, making me understand the everlasting bond we have with our siblings,” says Evart.

So, Janelle, it’s no secret that we’ve been through a lot together, but I wouldn’t want to share this roller coaster journey with anyone but you. I’m proud to be your big sister and even prouder to call you my little sister. Here’s to many more great years together!!

Do you have siblings, friends? Are you the oldest, youngest or somewhere in the middle? Any sibling lessons you’d like to share? Make sure to give your siblings an extra hug today — they deserve it! xoxo

Dear Janelle: On your 28th birthday

Dear Janelle:

Well, here we are…your 28th birthday. This is only the second time we’ve been apart for your birthday, and needless to say, I miss you. I want to wrap you up in a giant hug. I want to dry your tears. I want to tell you that everything is going to be OK. I want us to laugh together like we used to. Do you remember those times? When we’d laugh about the oddest things that only we thought were funny, and we didn’t care because we could always count on the other to understand.

You and I? We’ve been through a lot, that’s for sure — far more than many sisters our age. Maybe that’s what makes us ‘us.’ You’re the only person in this whole universe that I can ever imagine calling my sister. And believe it or not, I look up to you each and every day, in so many ways. I know what you’re thinking, and I can actually picture you right now saying, “Stop, stop.” But, no, no. I most certainly won’t stop. I’ve looked up to you from that time you were about six, when you spent an entire day teaching yourself how to ride a bike and wouldn’t come inside until you’d mastered it. I’ve looked up to you during all those times you sat with me in my hospital room, when most kids your age were swinging from the monkey bars on the playground. I’ve looked up to you for your determination in earning your college degree. I’ve looked up to you from the moment you were born, and even though you’d disagree with me know, I look up to you right now — at this moment — because you are working so very hard to get the help you’ve needed for so very long.

You know, you’ve been thanking us so much lately — thanking us for helping you and for sticking by you through it all. Well, if you want my opinion (which, being your big sister, I know you do…), I don’t think you should be the one doing the apologizing. I should be thanking you. Thanking you for everything. For all the love. For all the laughs. For all the hugs. For all the fun sisterly time. I’ve appreciated it all so much more than you’ll ever know

I’m proud to call you my sister. I’m proud of the bond we have, and I look forward to more happy years together. So happy birthday, little sister. I love you, and you’ll always be my #1 BEST FRIEND… xoxo