My Sister

My younger sister, Kolby, has been through so much. She just had her third intestinal tear and her third major surgery. She was just released from the hospital today after being away from her family for two weeks. She is only twenty six years old and could have died three different times. Her doctors have yet to figure out what is wrong with her. Through it all, she is still positive, kind, and strong. I admire her strength. I'm not sure if I could do it.

This year, I spent Thanksgiving day with my sister, my parents, and my grandma at Cottage Hospital. It was a humbling experience. It made me so thankful for my health but, most of all, for my family. It made me appreciate what I have so much more. I often take for granted how blessed I truly am.

Tonight, I got to thinking about my sister and my childhood. I began to think what an important role she played in my life and how grateful I am to have her. Her and I are only 27 months apart. Growing up, we were inseparable. She was always tall for her age and I have always been short. We were very similar in size and we have always looked similar. People would often ask if we were twins. She was my constant playmate. I was never bored nor did I ever have to search for someone to play with. She was always by my side.I cannot think of a single childhood memory that she was not part of. As we grew into teenagers, we fought but were still close. I am bossy and strong-headed (sorry Kolby!). Being the middle child, she has always been the peacemaker. She has a humongous heart and an extremely kind spirit. As we have grown into adults, she has become an amazing wife and mother. Her love for her family overflows from her. I look up to her strength. They struggle to make ends meet but she has never let it get her down. Her body has been through so much but she stays positive through it all.

Kolby, I look up to you. You inspire me to be better. I admire you as a wife, a mother, a sister, and a friend. Thank you for helping me to put things into perspective this Thanksgiving. Keep on being strong baby sister ... I pray for you daily and love you more than words can express!