October 11, 1973

circa Christmas 1973
(Baby Alive in my arms - she ate and wet her diaper)

Thirty-three years ago on this day one of the biggest events in my life, up until that time, changed my world in a great big way.   This great event was the birth of my sister.  At that time, all I was aware of was that there was a little baby girl who was coming to live in my home, to be a part of my family.  A family that only consisted of me, my dad and my mom up until that time.  My uncle Karl was also a big part of the family at this time and he was there to help as my mom went to the hospital.  I do have recollections of that day, though they are few.

I also remember the day my dad and I went to the hospital to pick up my mom and my little sister.

And I remember the feelings I felt as I got to help take care of her.  I loved helping take care of her.   I also remember watching my mom feed her.....the bottles, the formula and eventually the baby food.  I remember it well.  I also remember the crib in my parents room.  I hope these are correct recollections.  Only my mom and dad would know.

This day changed my life in ways I never knew possible as a 4 1/2 year old.  Let's be honest....a 4 1/2 year old's world is a little self centered so naturally I couldn't know just what she would bring to my life....the bond that I would eventually share one day with a sister who I am so truly blessed to have in my life.  I certainly didn't know the friendship having a sister would bring to my world.  And I really had no idea how much, aside from my own children, I could love another person.  And the biggest thing I could never have understood was just how much I would need her and how she would always come through for me.

This was one day that would be the first of many, many changes I would go through in my life and aside from giving birth to my children, it was one of the most wonderful changes ever.  I feel so lucky to have her in my life and to call her my sister.  She is a beautiful and amazing sister, daughter, wife, mother and friend.  I am so very proud of her and I wish her a very happy birthday.

I love you, Heather.