Many people expect, or hope to be, spoiled on their birthday. My mom always considered our birthday our special day - better in some ways than Christmas because we didn't have to share it with the other siblings.
Knowing this about my family and how we were raised, my little sister's birthday request would have surprised me more if I didn't know Mandy.
She called me up earlier this week to inform me that what she wanted for her birthday was for her husband and her to come over to my house and make dinner for my family and our parents?!
"You want to come over and have us make you dinner?" "No, Angel and I are going to make taquitos for you."
Mandy's always been the "little" sister. She's 9 years younger than me and 7 years younger than our middle sister. She was almost eight when I left for college, and in some ways, maybe she will always be that baby sister.
However, on days like today, I realize that she is a grown woman. A truly kind and generous woman who enjoyed spending her special day making a wonderful meal for our entire family.
She had so much fun and was so delighted to be able to show off the new cooking skills she has gained in the last year. She has concentrated on it since she got married a little over a year ago, and tonight it really showed.
Though she may still be, for now and forever, my little sister, she is no longer a little girl. She is a grown woman with a generous heart from whom many could take a lesson.
So, Mandy, my hat's off to you!
Though I may always call you "Kiddo", you have grown into a truly beautiful woman with so much to teach the rest of us about sweetness, kindness and generosity of spirit.
Happy Birthday!
Comments(18)