Happy Birthday Andrea

Today is my little sister Andrea’s birthday. She’s 31 years young. Andrea is one of my favorite people in the world. As sisters we have been through thick and thin together. She has always been so good to me. Even when we were kids Andrea responded well when I was nice to her. (I was always nice) Some of my favorite childhood memories are at our Grandma and Grandpa Clavin’s house in Montana. They had a tile patio that when wet glistened in the sun. They had bought us a little mop set and Andrea was my faithful right hand man carrying around the bucket of water for me while I mopped. I don’t remember Andrea ever doing anything really mean. She was always an earlier riser than me so she would sit in bed and count her money making sure to clink every penny extra loud or if she was reading, would turn the page very deliberately to make sure I could hear it. Pretty cruel huh! So as you can see I had it pretty good as far as the little sister category goes.
Another favorite thing Andrea and I did together was sing. We sang in choir together, in the van, at church, at pep assemblies, at funerals, at missionary farewells, etc…I love when we visit each others home because the girls always request that we sing for them before we tuck them in for bed.
As I’ve grown up I have thoroughly loved my relationship with my sister. When I meet her friends they all tell me how much they love her and that she is one of the kindest people around. She would do anything for them, including total strangers. She has a genuine quality about her that make people drawn to her. She has such a great laugh and I find it contagious.
Andrea is an excellent cook. I’m always in admiration of her conscious efforts to make wholesome meals for her family. She takes the time to cook from scratch just to make sure her kids are getting the very best nutrition. She even takes extra time when she brings her friends dinner. She makes a mean stroganoff.
Andrea is a wonderful mother. She dotes on them and spends extra time to teach them little life lessons. She’s a really fun mom. My kids love to tell people how funny Aunt Andrea is because she jumps in the pool with her clothes on. Or she’ll get out her Clogs and do a jig in the kitchen for us.
One of the best qualities I think Andrea holds is being real. What you see is what you get with her. She doesn’t feel she’s above anyone and I think that’s what makes her so special. Like I said people love her because she can see the good in everyone.
In the past I used to view my relationship as me filling the big sister role and Andrea leaning on me for advice, but in the last couple years the dynamics of our relationship has changed a lot. I started leaning on Andrea and found that she was very lean worthy. She has helped me through the hardest trials of my life and she still loves me unconditionally. She knows the good the bad and the ugly about me, but continues to cheer me on and say you can do it. There is a special bond sisters have. You know the childhood history. You know little things and habits about each other that others don’t. You see yourself in her smile. Andrea you are a rare gem. Thank you for all you do for me. I know am blessed to have you in my life. You’re beautiful on so many levels. I hope you know that you’re an amazing woman and a prize to behold. I love you my sister and hope you have a very Happy Birthday.