To my sister Yvonne…

Our parents often talk of how after you were brought home from the hospital after birth, I threw such a fit and didn’t want to look at you at all for almost a week. Funny how we started because, I cannot imagine living a life without you in it. I remember not liking you very much while we were growing up because you were usually the reason I would get beaten by our parents. I always felt you were their favorite child and never understood why I was held for things that would even happen to you.

I never understood why you wanted to go where I went or do things I did. I guess I was too young to realize then what you, perhaps subconsciously, knew already … that I was your older sister. And that somehow you wanted to experience the world through my experiences as well. Too young to know our relationship for what it was and be privileged by it. Too involved in my own world to fully appreciate our relationship.

Watching you grow has been a privilege. I’m amazed by your strength and resilience… the things you’ve had to go through, not many go through the same and come out with their heads above water. The universe owes you so much goodness and happiness and my only consolation is that God is surely cooking something great for you. I love your dedication to duty and so it’s no wonder you’re easily everyone’s favorite.

My dearest little sister, They say we don’t choose who becomes our family, but if ever such a choice were to be given to us, I’ll choose you a thousand lifetimes over. We’ve walked this world together side by side and there’s nothing I would change about our journey. You have been my closest ally in this life. You have been my confidante and support system. In this lifetime of ours, I wonder who has taken care of the other.

This year has been one for the books and heaven bears us witness. My gist partner. My prayer partner. My favorite nurse, doing superhero stuff on a daily.

I want to remind you today, as you turn twenty-six, that you’re one of my greatest inspirations. As your older sister, I am and would always be your number one hype woman. It is a thing of pride for me to call you my sister. I wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness. I wish you success because no one deserves it better than you do. I wish you good health and wealth in abundance. Looking forward to doing the rest of our lives together…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

Love always

Abigail