Happy Birthday to my much older sister!

"Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life."
— Linus Van Pelt

We called her "Lucy".  We also had other nicknames for her.  "Chubs" (ask my mean older brother about that one), "Kuni", and lately "Karne".  But even though I am a full four inches taller than her, she will always be my 'big sister'.  And I'm so thankful I have a sister.  

She was the quiet one.  And the smart one.  And the serious one.  And the one that liked to be alone reading things.  Thinking quiet thoughts.  And torturing me for years and years by breathing on my neck when we shared our double bed.  She graduated from college.  Landed a good job.  And eventually started dreaming about this skinny guy from Illinois that stole her heart and drove her away to Illinois.  He was and is her soul mate.  They had the privilege of raising three wonderful kids that are now lovely adults all in their own special way.  I loved her babies to the core.  I still do.  She has a great wisdom about things (well she's much older you see...).  I once asked in frustration about one of our children and what to do.  I love the answer she gave.  'Break their will, but not their spirit'.  Nice.  Perfect.  Another thing she mentions often now that she's already experiencing an empty nest is to enjoy the ordinary family days.  And the evenings.  Just the five of us.  Making memories doing nothing special.  Just 'being'.  I like that too.  

These days she is still very sweet and caring and giving. They have a very, very open home.  She's never met a stranger.  And do you know what else?  She will tell you with her eyes dancing in great enthusiasm that 'Great Aunt Marge's 2nd cousin on her dad's side was related to a George Whistestraight because he married Harriet who was a nephew to the 2nd cousin!  Can you believe that?  How great!  Um.  Sure.  But please don't let all this 'fluff' fool you.  She's got a competitive streak.  I know.  She's made sure that she doesn't live up to the 'Chubs' nickname.  I hear what size skirt she just bough and how teensy-weensy it is!  And that is just after I finished off a plate of pasta.  

But I love her and admire her and hope I can have some of those same sweet qualities as she does.  

Here's a few sister quotes I found and love:  

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister? 

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden. 

One of the best things about being an adult is the realization that you can share with your sister and still have plenty for yourself.

An older sister is a friend and defender - a listener, conspirator, a counsellor and a sharer of delights.  And sorrows too.

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. 

So happy birthday to you big sis!  (pssst.  This is a big one!)