Crystal's Birthday

OK, so this might be a long one, but bare with me....It's been a long two weeks.
First there was my sister's birthday. Crystal, my beautiful YOUNGER sister, turned 29 on Feb. 24th. For 1 week we both were 29 years old. This is when it finally hit that I was turning the big 30. SHH!! I was hoping no one would notice but me. It seems weird to no longer be "in my twenties". But, before I get on my "Thirties" discussion I wanted to write a few words about my sister.
At first glance you can tell that Crystal is something special. She has striking blue eyes and this curly hair most anybody would die for. A petite frame and a style all her own. She carries herself like a strong woman should..head high, shoulders back and two children attached to her hip. Though Crystal and I are from the same womb, we are two very different people. Each with our own memories of childhood and adult experiences that have lead us down different paths. However, we share a bond that only sisters can. It is strong and beautiful. I can tell her my deepest fear and know that somehow, even when words can't express my thoughts, that she knows exactly what I mean. I wanted to remind her of some things I never want to forget. So excuse me while I reminisce:
NEVER FORGET:

• The pack of cards we stole from Christian Supply
• The Weed Eater Box you took a pee in.
• Rolling down the hill in that same box.
• "Daddies in the ARMY"
• "Momma, Daddy said God Bless America"
• Our dog BJ and our trips to the creek
• Picking Blackberries in the yard
• Shining a flash light on the ceiling in the middle of the night and thinking it was hilarious
• Throwing socks at each other in the middle of the night and trying to find them
• Barbie dolls
• Our red bean bags and cartoons in the mornings
• Gum in my hair during bath time and how Dad cut it out
• Sleeping together on Christmas Eve
• Swinging on our swing set
• I saved your life at CB's pool ( you owe me big for this one)
• Our summer at the beach..just me and you
• Weekends at Carolina when we'd sit in the car and talk for hours....The best time I've ever had
• When we became friends and not just sisters.

There is so much more that I could say, but I just wanted Crystal to know that I love her, her husband, and my niece and nephew. That some of my greatest memories are with her...Even the bad ones are great.

Crystal, your my friend, my sister, my hero. I hope that each day you awake in your next year that you will be happy to be alive, filled with the spirit of love, see a clear vision of God's purpose for you, and walk worthy of His grace. Happy 29th Birthday Lil' Sis!

I'll save my Thirties Discussion for another day!