October 11, 2009
Ulcinj, Montenegro 
Today is my sister’s birthday.  On this day set aside to celebrate the birth of this amazing young lady, I want to join in the celebration, though many miles away. 
Hillary, I am glad that you were born and here are 25 reasons why – one for each year of your life:

1. you have an amazing heart – very caring and nurturing
2. you made me come to terms early in life that it isn’t about me (that’s a good thing, however hard I fought it!)
3. you are beautiful – very elegant and graceful (your beauty reminds me of a character in a Jane Austen novel)
4. you are endearing
5. you are very gifted
6. you are compassionate
7. you are a great nurse
8. you lift my spirits and lighten my load  
9. you have a great laugh – I love to make you laugh
10. you are funny
11. you are loyal
12. you have a strong iron will and strength
13. you have a perseverance that is admirable
14. you are a great helper – thanks for always helping me
15. you will listen to me teach – even when you don’t care
16. you are easy going
17. you are comfortable to be around
18. you don’t ask for much or expect much from others, especially me
19. you are laid back
20. you are fun
21. you humor my questions – all of them, even the hard ones
22. you are a great listener
23. you encourage me
24. you love me, even when I don’t deserve it
25. He loved you first and loves you most and has an amazing plan for you life, specifically this 25th year of it and that makes me excited!

 
I pray God’s best on you this year.  I pray that this 25th year of life is one that is a milestone – not because it is the quarter mark, but because you come to know your significance and worth as it is found in Jesus.  I pray that you will come to know the amazing plans God has for you, His daughter.  i pray that you would know that your heart and gifts reflect the God of whom you were made in the image of.   I pray that you would run in the paths of His love.  I pray that you would know the extent of His love and that He would pour it out on you in abundance (much like the abundance of bliss and delight that comes in the form of a eurocream pancake – pictured below!)
I love you!
I am proud of you! 
I am glad that you were born!