I Look Up to Her

I have looked up to her my entire life.  At seven years older than I, she was (and still is) big stuff to me.  She earned the nickname Bird Legs for her long skinnies . . . tall legs to follow, and I have tried.

As the older, wiser one, I watched her do things first and wanted to be like her.  Yet, I was scared too.  Fearing being compared to her and falling short, I ran quick sprints while she ran the distance.  She did the high jump, so I jumped long.  She sings (beautifully); I play the piano.

We shared vacations, Christmases, handmade sweaters and dolls, bicycling accidents, homemade ice cream, Fox and Geese, and days at the beach.  We played with make up and hair.  She danced "The Monster Mash" and let me sleep with her favorite doll the night before my first day of kindergarten.  As we grew, I begged to wear her clothes, and she complained that I ruined them.  But she usually gave in.

And now we share more than memories.  We share details, frustrations, funny stories and our children.  We share our fears, our heartaches and our joys.  And clothes too.  No complaints!

She has my heart, my admiration and my fierce love.  And I know I have hers as well.

Happy birthday to my talented, intelligent, beautiful sis.  You're still livin' tall.

I Look Up to Her