To My Darling Sister on Her Birthday

(Her actual birthday was Sunday. As usual, I’m playing catch up.)

Well. How did we get here? Twenty four and thirty, and we’re both single. There was a time I couldn’t imagine either of us being this grown up, and I certainly didn’t envision either of us being single when I could imagine it. Yet here we are.

I’m so proud of you. You have demonstrated so much grace, maturity and wisdom in the wake of Mark’s death. Anyone that ever doubted that you would grow up to be a strong and vibrant woman is eating a little humble pie these days. I always knew you were capable of it, and it thrills me to see you make the choice to embrace the better part of yourself. I know that this birthday is bittersweet for you, and it hurts my heart, but you are doing so very well in dealing with the hand that life has dealt you.

Your love and friendship mean the world to me. I have taken great comfort in our long talks, in your insights and reassurances and your advice and guidance. You, our relationship, the way we are now- these are the reasons that I will have at least two children if at all possible- because I can’t imagine life without you, and I can’t imagine bringing a child into this world to be left to their lonesome when I leave it. When those dark days come for us, I know we will take care of ourselves but also each other, and it gives me strength to think about having your hand in mine when we have to start down that road.

I wish that you could read this, and that I could share this incredible and wonderful part of my life with you. Unfortunately, you are not ready yet to read and know some of the things I’ve written here, but I delight in knowing that the time will come for that, and I have the feeling that it won’t be too much longer.

When I was eight and you were two, when I was ten and you were four, when I was sixteen and you were ten, when I was twenty-two and you were sixteen, we were adversaries and rivals. We’ve always been family, and we’ve always taken care of each other when it mattered most, but we have only become friends in the last five years…

My eyes are welling up with tears as I write this to you with all the affection and admiration my ancient heart can muster:

Happy Birthday to one of my best friends.

I love you.

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