Sunday, April 5, 2009

Gifted Sisters

I’m the oldest of seven children. Even though we were all born within 8 ½ years from first to last, the oldest four were referred to as the “big kids” and the youngest three as the “little kids” With six siblings, our house was a bit chaotic. Obviously, my mom is insane – just kidding – kind of … (refer to Granny get your Gun post on March 6th for a “mom story”) Really, I am kidding.

I have three younger sisters; they’ve all grown up to be amazing women.


My sister Cindy is two years younger than I am. We are both part of the “big kids” group.

Because Cindy and I were so close in age, I fought with her like I never have with my other sisters. There was a lot of hair pulling.

I’ve always thought of Cindy as the adventurer. She is my only sister who doesn’t live within a couple of hours of me. Cindy is a goal setter. If she wants something, she accomplishes it. A number of years ago, Cindy and I were having a chat in a bar about where we saw ourselves in 5 years, and although she a teacher in Minnesota, she believed she’d have her master’s degree, be living in Alaska and be married. We wrote it down on an envelope and sealed it. Cindy was right, she moved to Alaska to get her masters and met a boy and married him. That’s just how she is.

My sister Lynn is 7 ½ years younger than I am. She’s one of the “little kids” As a child, Lynn had a sunny disposition. She still does. She is funny and doesn’t embarrass easily, it’s a great combination.

Lynn is the one with talent. She can sing. She sings at weddings and funerals and if you go to karaoke with her, you can brag that she is your sister. Lynn is the athlete and Cindy and I take credit for that…. after hearing about Nadia Comaneci, the Olympic gymnast, Cindy and I decided that we would train our little sister to be the next great Olympian. Lynn didn’t get very far with our coaching but we did teach her to do summersaults across the whole yard without stopping. She sticks with triathlons now but I did see her do a cartwheel a couple of years ago just to show off.

Tonja is the baby of the family and quite likely the sweetest person I know. There is not one picture in my head of Tonja without a smile on her face. Tonja is also quite likely the calmest woman on earth. She has six children and I’ve never seen her come close to losing her cool. Tonja has peace.

The saying “if you want something done, ask a busy person” could have been written about Tonja. She can accomplish more in one day than many people do in a week. She’s also very cute and will probably always look ten years younger than she is but she’s so nice you can’t hate her for it.

Thank God for sisters.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

AN YOUR FULL OF TALANTED, CARING ,ONE THAT HAS IT TOGETHER, AND HAS MOST OF THE ANS AND IF NOT YOU WILL FINE IT, YOUR STRONG IN FAITH GENTLE OF HEART, PATIENT, KIND . BEAUITFUL AND THAT CAN BE SAID OF ALL 4 OF YOU.

Far Side of Fifty said...

I think you are all beautiful, and talented each in your own way! Oh I loved the Granny get your Gun story..I nearly fell out of my chair! What a hoot! (It is a good thing no one reported her! ) :)

Missy said...

I agree you are all VERY talented, CARING and wonderful sisters!! I think you are all the best!!! thanks so much for welcoming me into your family and treating me like one of yourselves!!!