One of the Lucky Ones

I am one of the lucky ones. My sister is not only my sister, she's my best friend. We were always close growing up, but as I headed off to college, we forged a deeper friendship. The summer before my freshman year, Michelle and I shared a bedroom. Not because we had to--we each had our own room-but because that's what we wanted. Almost nightly we would stay up and I would grill her about college life. She shared story after story with me and let me in on so much of her life.
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As I grew up, I proudly followed in my sister's footsteps. I attended the same college, lived in the same dorm, and joined the same sorority. Once again it was not because I had to--I never felt like I was living in her shadow--but because that is what I wanted. Those college years cemented our friendship and we have been close ever since. I even gave my daughter her name as a middle name.
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Now we now live a thousand miles apart and don't get to spend near enough time together. When she called me and said that she wanted to attend a photographer's workshop in my town, I was elated!
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My sister has a thriving new business, three kids and about a billion friends. She is one of those burn the candle at both ends kind of people. So when she actually took a week off all alone, I wanted to make sure that the time was all about her (and of course Molly, too).
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The three of us went out for lunches, shopped, visited the zoo and explored the local botanic garden. Since Tony was out of town, we even had slumber parties each night in my big king sized bed! Unfortunately we didn't have the endurance to stay up until the wee hours like we did in our younger days, but we did give it our best effort.

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Molly loved having Aunt Shel here and would wake up each morning asking for her. Michelle loved spending time with her niece. I enjoyed the fact that Michelle put Molly in her car seat each time we went out. Hey, it's the little things in life matter. That small act was better than gold. Thanks, sis!

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My sister is a professional photographer. Not only did she give me a few tips on how to take better pictures but she had a complete photoshoot with Molly. We went back to the botanic gardens and Michelle took tons of pictures. She is quite talented and they all turned out beautifully. She really captured the essence of Molly's spirit. I can't wait to place an order and get them hung in our house. What a special treasure.
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Molly and I truly enjoyed every minute of Michelle's visit. And despite having to witness a couple of Miss Molly's tantrums (yes, that cute little face pictured below can scream like nobodies business), I think Michelle had a good time as well.

I love you, Shelfy and can't wait until I can see you again. That goes double for Molly!