in her shadow

Looking solely at my recent posts, you would think that this blog was about the relationship between two sisters.

But it just so happens that that today is my sister's 37th birthday...

And I didn't get her a gift, so this will have to do for today.

Coming fresh off a visit with her, I have a renewed perspective and appreciation for who my sister is and my relationship with her.

Amy and I have always been quite different. She was born with a full head of dark monkey hair, I entered the world with the tiniest bit of white peach fuzz on my noggin.

She was always tall and turned out to be 5'8" and I was always short and am a whopping 5'3". She has always excelled academically, where I have struggled to make the grades. Amy always had good taste in clothing and makeup, and I always needed a little help in that area (usually by stealing borrowing her clothes!).

We had different interests growing up and though I tried very hard to walk in her shadow and repeat her footsteps, we took two different paths and wound up growing apart for several years of our young adulthood.

Amy said something this weekend that struck me as so ironic.

"...my sister who does everything better than me."

I laughed out loud, because not only had I NEVER heard her say anything like this in my life, but this is exactly how I felt about her for so many years and still in many ways think that now.

It brought to light how, in hindsight, I wish I would have just been myself growing up, and not tried to be who she was, but just loved her despite our differences. I spent so much time feeling insecure because we were different in some ways and I overlooked and almost pushed away the blessing of having a sister.

As we approach middle age, it seems like we have reached a mutual comfort and love for each other.

And it feels great.

Amy would give her shirt off her back for someone she loves. She is loving and compassionate and gives grace to others. She is a great listening ear and a shoulder to lean on when I need her.

She has a great sense of humor. Sarcasm is something BIG that we have in common.

Even though she has her own children, she always seems to find special presents for my boys that fit each of their own personalities and interests.

She is a wonderful mother to her kids and although she works nights as a moms and babies nurse, she balances work and home so well.

Happy Birthday Amy! I love you more than words can express and cherish our sisterhood and friendship!