Sisters

This is me and My Sister.
During a summer visit (I was living in Florida at the time) that we made to Utah, Martha and I found ourselves constantly wearing the same colors. It was hilarious and family thought it planned in a warped kinda way. We loved as our nieces and nephews would have to look at our faces and talk to us before they could tell the difference between us. At one point, my siblings w/spouses had attended the LDS Temple in Ogden. We were getting ready to leave and Martha decided to go out to the foyer and wait while I stayed behind with my Mom while she waited for my Grandmother to do a potty break. A cute little older lady came up to me and told me she thought it was so cute when adult twins dressed alike. I had to think for a minute before I realized that Martha and I had come dressed in similar colors (again). I proceeded to correct her informing her that there was in fact 6 years difference between myself and my sister. She was so shocked, she said, "you mean your sister is 6 years older than you?". Least to say it made my day as I had just turned 30 about 4 months prior to this time! My sister had a great laugh also!

During the summer of 2010, our family had a reunion. Martha had just had her baby a couple of months earlier...the cutest thing ever! I loved helping with this sweet bundle as he would look at me and then look at his mom and then look at me, he couldn't figure it out! But Martha (and I) loved this for as long as he could see me, he would cuddle right up and go to sleep! Martha loved the break from the pre-sleep fussiness and I enjoyed cuddling a baby that I knew I could give back to his mommy when I was done and go have myself a full nights sleep!

She has also been a great help with my own kids, as they have looked to her as a second mother. They love talking and chatting to her as often as they can, which really isn't often enough for them. She has a wonderful open communication with my kids and I'm love having a wonderful support system for them in the way of my sister.

I have always loved my younger sister. I worked hard to be her friend while we were growing up, hard to do with 6 years difference. And once she realized that I had trials too, we became each others strengths. She has been a great support to me especially in the last 5 years. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent her to me. She will call me on days that I didn't realize I needed to talk and the same the other way around. It is wonderful to know that on the other side of the phone is someone who will listen, and care about what is happening in my life. She sends me email notes of encouragement when I'm down (sometimes without even knowing it).

One of those times was during the summer of 2009. I was struggling with my health, and lack of sleep and abundant struggles of the prior two years. I knew that John was going to not have a job by the end of the summer definitely Christmas, thus ending our financial funds. We looked at our options, but I felt that I needed to see my out of state siblings (one of which was Martha). So knowing that for some it would seem a "waste" of a months income, I worked a vacation out with my parents and we left for 3 weeks to see these two siblings. I actually hesitated to put this particular picture in as I was definitely at my heaviest (and I was/am completely embarrassed about it). But the hug that I received did more for my health than anything else I could have done...no it did not cure me, but when a person is down, it really helps to know that you are Loved!

Martha, I just wanted you to know how much I love you and think of you! You are truly my Best Friend!