Sister, Sister!

To my dear sister Christy,

I have known you for your entire life, 

born when I was just two and a half,
and from that November day, 33 years ago,
each day since you've been making me laugh.
We shared a bedroom, toys, and our dreams,
and though we didn't always want to be giving,
we went through so many things together,
without you, I just wouldn't call it living.
You know all there is to know about me,
having been there for each different phase,
and the memories I have that include you,
fill up every one of my calendar days.
Though we always knew we were different,
those unique traits set us apart,
and it's like we've always been connected,
you're an established piece of my heart.
You are the best sister anyone could ask for,
my best friend, a guardian, my idol,
and if I wrote down my life as a story,
your name would be right in the title.
My love for you goes without saying,
but it's more in my style to be heard,
so though I don't always get to tell you,
I hope you listen to my every word.

I shake my head because even though YOU are the one celebrating the birthday today, how come I'M the one who feels like the recipient of a gift? 

You may be the banker, but having you as my sister makes me filthy stinkin' rich in love, laughter, and has me living beyond my means in extreme happiness.  I don't know what I did to deserve a sister like you, but I thank God for it every. single. day. 

In my 35 years (and *ahem* that's a lot of years), no one has been able to reach me in quite the way you do.  You have known when to say nothing, and you've known when to speak up.  Your sweet and undying support helped build the foundation on which I stand every day that I'm alive. 

When you surprised me and flew out to see me just a few days after Jackie was born, you helped me get through those overwhelming, scary, first-time-mom moments, and you've come through for me every time I've needed you, always putting my comfort above your own.
 
Like two parallel lines, we stick together.  You are the exclamation point in my expression, the caramel on my Starbucks, my bridge over troubled water, and an ever present glowing reminder that I am so very blessed in life just to have you as my sister.  You make me smile and I thank you for your love and friendship.   

I love you beyond measure, Christabelle!  Happy happy birthday to you, sis!