Away we go!

Lola and I are packing up and flying to Grandma's house for my sister's graduation this week! We are so thrilled about this huge stepping stone in my sister's life and can't wait to celebrate this moment with her! Congratulations, Annalisa!

Little Things -- Annalisa

I was so happy to see my sister last weekend. She is a very special person to me, someone I look up to, my role-model. I am inspired by her goodness, her compassion for others, and her heart. She is the best person I know, always quick to lend a listening ear or give praise with her words of encouragement. She acts with her heart, loving hard and unconditionally. I am thankful for her.

Celebrating Annalisa

Today marks seventeen wonderful years that I have known my sister. It's amazing how fast the time has gone by, from when she was only a little baby, to "my princess", transforming into a beautiful, young woman, and my best friend. I remember loving her so much when she was a baby, dressing her up like she was a little doll and having that good ol' fashion love/hate relationship with her when we shared a room. I remember the way she always wanted to tag along and pow-wow in the room when I had friends over, and that time I was so upset with her because she used my flat iron to "straighten" her Barbie's hair (Ha! More like melt it right off!) I remember the yellow piece of paper I got in the mail when I was away at college. The funny picture of two sisters sitting, arms around each other and her barely-legible print that read, "I saw this picture of two sisters. It reminded me of us." I remember the way my eyes flooded with tears. It being the pick-me-up I needed to get through finals week. She has always been my constant reminder of the good in life, and how easy it should be to love unconditionally. 

I rarely miss living in Southern California, except when I am missing family and friends. Then I miss it. Terribly. It has been hard to be away from her these last couple years. Today was a rough one. I wished that I could have been there today, to welcome her from school, showering her with gifts. With Love. I really wished today that she would just know how special she is to me. I wish that I could be there to celebrate all her achievements. I know, though, that these are only the markers at the beginning in her race, in her success. She will go far!

Annalisa has always been very supportive of who I am. And even though we have our falling outs from time to time, nothing takes away from the love that is deep down at the center of it all. She is a true friend, my best friend, and I know she will always be there for me. Happy Birthday Annalisa! I love you more than you'll ever know!