Today’s my sister’s birthday. Here we are many years ago up at the cabin at lake in Minnesota (where we visited nearly every summer.) I remember once getting in a fight and then storming off into our rooms. The way I remember it, I went into my closet and turned on my walkie-talkie. I knew she could hear it through the wall and I waited for her to turn on hers. She was mad so she didn’t. Then I got mad so I turned mine off. Then I heard her turn hers on, but I kept mine off to teach her a lesson. Eventually we both turned them on at the same time and I might have said something like: “Wanna play? Meet me in the living room.” No apologies, just back to playing. My sister and I could fight like crazy when we were growing up and the next minute be having a blast together. We always loved each other no matter what and when I got older I realized what a good feeling that was, to be able to fight with someone and know they would still love you afterwards. It makes you feel safe somehow. You can be yourself and you can even show your not-so-great parts sometimes and still be loved through it all. We’ve been through so much together, side by side. There’s so many memories we share.

Bright. Strong. Passionate. Adventurous. I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

Happy Birthday Samantha!