My Sisters

I am blessed beyond belief to have the two best sisters.

I happen to be the oldest of the three of us. I was definately the ground breaker but the middle sister was far more defiant than I can ever hope to be so she was the one that broke the rules that I broke ground by having. "DeeDee" and my Dad were so much alike. They were both very stubborn about anyone telling them what to do. I used to tremble in my boots when that little pipsqueek would stand up to my Dad. I could never figure it out but it didn't take long for her to earn my respect.

I remember when my Mom and Dad used to leave us in the car while they went grocery shopping. Imagine that? Quite common back in the day! Anyway, they must have taken "Smelly" with them cause she would only have been about 2. As soon as they shut the doors and were headed into the grocery store I would say something to set Cindy off. That old station wagon would be rockin'. Cindy would beat the crap out of me. She would have handfuls of my hair as a souvenir. It must have been a sight to see, there weren't tinted windows back then.

It wasn't until we grew up that I really appreciated who DeeDee is. She is the most non-judgemental person I have ever met. She is accepting of everyone without being naive. She is the one that is always ready to have fun. I know without a doubt that if I ever needed her she would be right beside me in a flash.

A long time ago, just after I had separated, my house was broken into while I was at work. When the kids arrived home they found the house had been tossed and called me. I was scared to death and sent them over to the neighbors immediately. I called the police, got home and got stuff back together. I don't even remember calling her, but Cindy was there. She ended up staying the night because we were all so scared. That night she earned another nickname "Bull Dog". She pretends to be so tough.

We tease her and tell her that she is married to the only man who would have her. She is a very free spirit and her husband has this incredible knack of giving her so much space before reeling her back to reality. She has three amazing kids who have inherited alot of their Momma's spunk...good...bad...?

Then there is the baby of the family. She is six years younger that me. No one fought with Smelly much. Although I remember she was so little I used to put my leg over her and she couldn't get out. She basked in our blazed trails then she added a few of her own. She had my Dad wrapped around her little finger. DeeDee and I couldn't believe the stuff she got away with! She went to school to be a nurse. She was only here until my oldest son was 2. He was the absolute apple of her eye and it didn't take long for him to be madly in love with her. There was definately a special bond.

Smelly moved to the States for better opportunities in nursing where she met the most perfect man I shall ever have the honor of knowing. She gets so mad at me for that. When we bitch about our men I usually tell her to shut up and do what he wants. That's how perfect this guy is.

Anyway, about Smelly, she is a very positive person. She will always find the silver lining in any situation. She has come through some very brutal and horrifying events. She never seems to be jaded by them though. Smelly is the most generous person I know. She never skips a beat when we invade her house and turn her life upside down for a week or so. It was because of their generosity that I was able to have the trip of a lifetime when they lived in over seas. They have lived in a million different cities and even a few different countries (then over seas, now South America!). They always consider these to be precious pages in their storybook life. They have three beautiful kids. Even though Smelly couldn't be by my side if I needed her (but you know what, she probably would be anyway), I always know she will be just a phone call, email, blog away.

There is nothing on this earth that is more important than family. Friends come really, really close but family is an unconditional love. I hope all of mine know that I will always be there for them until my last breath.

Briv bray little soldiers, briv bray.

(cheers Smelly, you made me cry with your beautiful Christmas card!!!!!)