It seems as though children or youth are always prompted with questions like “Who do you look up to?” or “Who is your role model?” I know I’ve been asked this question a lot.
My answer has always been the same, though.
My sister, Heather, has been someone I’ve looked up to…and I still do to this day.
Growing up I always felt proud to have Heather as my older sister, and despite the age difference between us there are MANY things I remember about her when I was little.
Such as…..
I remember her treating me to the movies.
I remember her holding my hand while skating at Skate Land.
I remember her trying to restore peace whenever Amanda and I had fights.
I remember her being the one to instill the habit of washing my hands after going to the bathroom.
I remember being envious of her fashion sense when I was little. 🙂
I also remember being envious of her cool hand writing – seriously – I’m still a little jealous to this day, lol.
Haha – she probably doesn’t know this one (whoops!): I remember going into her room when she was at Olivet or St. Ambrose and playing with her make up and jewelry – I wanted to be just like her.
I remember her being the one to inform me when I was younger that conditioner was in factnot the same as shampoo (after weeks of using conditioner as shampoo).
I remember her being patient and gracious towards her three much younger (and often obnoxious) sisters.
I remember her always remembering my birthday on time, whether she was at Olivet or since she’s lived in Cali.
I remember her listening to ghetto rap music (haha!).
I remember her being willing to listen and talk about various things with me, while never treating my youth or ignorance as an annoyance.
I remember her giving me my first Study Bible for Christmas one year – a gift that proved to be a well-worn essential throughout junior high and high school.
I remember how special I felt when I got to be a bridsmaid in her wedding.
I remember always looking forward to her visits home (and still do!).
Were I able to remember, I would tell of all the things she did for me as a baby and toddler (given I was born when she was a teenager).
But most of all, I always remember her loving Jesus. Her love for the Lord and for helping others was always evident, and it encouraged me to want to do the same, too. I’m so thankful I had a great example of a Godly sister and woman at such an early age, and I know my life and spiritual journey would be vastly different were she never born.
So, Heather, although this blog is a couple days late (yay for lack of internet on the race!), here’s to you on this day…this glorious Sunday. Because, frankly, I think that every day you are here on this earth is a special day. I am so thankful the Lord made you and gave me you for a sister. 🙂
Happy Belated Birthday to you, Heather, my older sister and role model.
I hope that your actual birthday (and heck, even today!) was a great day.
I love you so very much, and I truly can’t wait to see you, Jacob, Nadia, and Nick come this December!
