Happy Birthday Sis!

I seriously have the best sister ever! Today is her birthday and I just want to wish her a Happy Birthday! I so wish we could be together today. She is one of the most generous people I know. She is always giving so much of herself to others. Whether it's friends, her family, her service at church, she always puts others ahead of herself. She is always ready to do anything anyone needs her help with and she would give you the very shirt off her back if you needed it.

I was blown away by her sensitivity recently. We took the kids to the Sting Ray Reef so they could feed and pet the stingrays. We were busy about having fun but she noticed a young woman there with her kids. They were standing back watching our kids feeding the sting rays. The woman's children asked their mom if they could feed them and the mom said, "Oh no honey, that costs money and we can't right now". I noticed Kristi over at the counter but had no clue what she was doing digging in her purse. She came back with food and gave it to those kids so they could have food to feed the stingrays. The mom was so shocked and appreciative. I was stunned too. Not that I was surprised that she did that but because it seems we can all get so busy about our own lives and own agendas that it becomes easy to overlook the opportunities to be a blessing. Kristi doesn't. She is always sensitive to those around her are struggling and in need.

That is just her. She has always been there for me and my family. She always been willing to help with whatever crazy thing we had planned and she always makes things fun. I'm amazed at all she does, juggling her busy family, church and helping others. Somehow she fits in all in and no matter how frazzled she may feel, she always exudes excitement in everything she does.

I just wanted to take some time today to let you know, T, that I appreciate you so very much. I'm glad God gave me you for a sister. This time apart has made me appreciate even more all the times we were together and how I sometimes took that for granted. I miss you so much and I hope that some day we can all be together again! I'm not hiding that anymore and not ashamed to say it!

So please, if Kristi is important in your life, as I know she is in so many people's lives, just give her a text message, an email, a voicemail message, something to say happy birthday!

I love you T.