Dear Rachel

Growing up, we never had a lot in common. At least, nothing we'd admit. You locked yourself in your room with books and stuffed animals and wouldn't have anything to do with us, while I was constantly trying to get you guys to sing with me, learn piano duets, play Barbies or house or "kennel," or play school ("Of course I'm the teacher! I'm the oldest!"). You were cute and little and petite and I was, um...not. You liked frilly dresses and makeup. I was the one helping Dad in the shop, working with tools, learning how to change the oil in the car and a flat tire, and failing miserably at learning to crochet.

When I was in high school you and I grew further and further apart. You went your own way and I went mine, and for some reason those directions ran into each other like a train wreck more often than I care to remember.

In college, we started writing letters. We yelled at each other - vented, screamed, complained, accused...and apologized. I'll never forget the third letter I got from you. It was short and sweet, and in response to my request that we get together over coffee next time I came home and talk things over. "I don't think we should. There's nothing left to say," you said simply. "We've said everything we needed to, and now it's just a matter of moving on."

How mature! I felt embarrassed that my little sister handled things better than I did. But it was necessary. It was just what I needed to hear. Thank you for being the bigger and better person than me and realizing that we just needed to grow up. And thank you for having the guts and the wherewithal to point that out to me.

This year, for my birthday, you sent me one of the greatest cards. It said on the front, "Sis, something's happened since we've grown up." On the inside it said, "You got cool. (Always being cool myself I easily recognized it in you.)" And handwritten next to that, you said, "Oh, by the way, you've always been cool."

Thanks. That meant a lot coming from you. And thanks for being my friend. I'm pretty sure that's how God intended sisters to behave. :)

I love you!

Love,
Beckaroo