We watched the home video last night: a tiny, pink faced bundle cradled in loving arms…the bewildered cries of a newborn…proud grandparents arriving to see and hold…a ten-year-old Kiersti crying tears of joy for the first time in her life.
Seventeen years ago, my baby sister was my dream come true, an only-child’s years-long prayer answered by a loving God who makes everything beautiful in His time.
Today she is a young woman herself, who lights up our home with her singing and her dancing, her hilarious way with words and her compassionate heart.
She blesses so many: on stage, in caring for children, in helping our grandma, in being a faithful friend, through following Jesus closer and closer. But I, of anyone on earth, am the one blessed to know her as my sister, my laugh-till-you’re giddy friend, the one I can snuggle in bed and talk secrets with, the one with whom I share a special language like no one else, the one with whom I grow closer in age and heart each year.
Happy Birthday, sister-mine—and beloved friend.
