Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Being the only girl growing up, I always wished for a sister (albeit a twin sister until I realized that this was obviously not possible). There have been many women in my life that have made me realize that even though I didn’t have a sister, I’m extremely lucky to have these women in my life. The following 4 women are the closest to me, and have been on my mind a lot lately.

First and foremost is my mother. Obviously, as the only girl, my mom and I had to hold our own in the family. Although there is a lot that my mom has been through so far, I admire her for her strength and for never giving up. She has a huge heart and just keeps giving and giving. Even though we don’t live near each other, we are still able to get together for mother/daughter days on occasion. She may not realize how much she means to me, but I’m lucky to have a friend like her – even if she is my mom – in my life. I’m proud of who she is, how she is compassionate and argumentative at the same time, and how she never gives up no matter what life has thrown at her. She forgives me for all my faults, and loves me for who I am.

Next is the woman that I grew up with as my “sister” and who is and will always be, without question, my best friend, Barb. Meeting when we were 3-4 years of age, she became the sister that I always wanted – just from different parents. She is an incredible woman who I’ve seen grow into a beautiful, loving mother herself. Our dreams of living near each other, marrying best friends and raising our children together has somehow come true (for the most part) and I couldn’t be happier. I’m proud of her accomplishments, even though I don’t say it often. She is always there for me, no matter what is going on in her life at that point. She’s taught me so much, not only about myself but also on how to give praise for what God has given us. I’m proud of her and thank her for loving me, no matter what. She’s my “sister”, teacher, and BFF, and I’m very fortunate to have her in my life.

Having two brothers, I have been able to gain “sisters” through their marriages and families. My sister-in-law Mary is such a strong individual. While starting out with an extremely rocky, and even sometimes distrustful relationship, I’m glad to have her in my life. I watch her with her son and am very proud of the mother that she is. She listens, and hears, when I need someone to talk to. She’s taught me to be strong, encouraging me in every way. Everything she does, she does with love. Her life experiences have taught her a lot, and have made her such a strong, independent woman. I know that I don’t tell her enough how much she means to me. I’m happy to know her as the person she truly is, and thrilled that she loves my older brother as much as she does. I’m proud of her, of her accomplishments, of who she is, and how she never compromises on that.

My other sister-in-law, Carrie, is a warm-hearted individual, the kind who would never hurt a fly. While she has moved to North Carolina, I always know that she is just a phone call away. She is fun to be around, seeming to always be smiling. She’s had some rough times, but has come through those times as a much stronger woman. She’s taught me to be compassionate and accepting towards myself and others. I’ve watched her grow as an individual as well as grow with my brother as a part of a beautiful couple. Someday, she will be an wonderful mother, even if she can't see that as easily. The love she shares with my twin brother is incredible, and I couldn’t be happier to have her as my sister-in-law.

While there are many other women that have come into my life, and helped to mold me into who I am today, this note would end up longer than I could imagine. Women today have so much on their plates, and being able to reach out to others and talk through things with them is something I’ve found to be vital in my life path. I’m lucky to have each one of these women in my life. I love all of you and am truly blessed to have you all in my life. I don’t say it often, and don’t call on a regular basis, but each of you holds a special place in my heart. I’m proud of all of you and all your accomplishments.