SISTERS!

Wendy and Melissa. She was probably 4 and I was about 1.

Okay, so I just finished watching The Biggest Loser and I gotta tell you....I've been totally crying. If you don't watch it then you won't understand, but at the end of this episode, there was such an emotional, tender exchange between the sisters that I couldn't help but be affected by it. It was so powerful and it made me think of my own sister. So I've decided to dedicate this blog to my older sister, Wendy.

She is 4 years older than me. And while we had a rocky start in the beginning: ya know what I mean, right? Teasing, bullying, beating (yes, there was beating) and some serious sibling rivalry; but through the years, we rose above the bickering and literally became two very close friends.

Here are some memories I have of her when I was growing up:

1. Christmas Eve we'd sleep together in her room downstairs, squished in her little bed. But I wouldn't have traded those times for anything!

2. One time, she bought me a pair of Reebok hightops and I'll never forget it. They were $20 at the time and I was so thankful for those shoes. We got the same kind and we were twins, in my eyes. She didn't have a lot of money (although she was working at the time), and I know it was a sacrifice for her. I truly treasured those shoes.

3. When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to give her $50 for her birthday. I saved and scrimped (that was a lot of money to me then....come to think of it, that's a lot of money to me now), and I'll never forget how excited I was to give it to her. It made her happy and that made ME happy!

4. Tuesday nights: we watched Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Three's Company. At 9:00, we watched Hart to Hart. Those were our nights to be together and I loved them! (Gosh, we watched a lot of TV back then.....)

5. One year for Christmas (or her b-day, I can't remember which), I gave her half of a heart necklace that when you put together says "Best Friends." I still have my half.....I hope she still has hers too.

6. One time she came and got me from Ricks college in her little car. She drove all the way down (a 4-hour drive), and I remember I was in a hurry to get home (probably to see Todd) and I didn't let her stop much on the way back. I'm sure she was really tired of driving, but she never complained. The minute we drove into our driveway, her car stalled. I can't believe how selfish I was, but I jumped out, probably only half-heartedly said, "Thanks," and went inside. I don't even remember what happened to her car. I'm sorry I was so selfish, Wendy! :(

7. We used to watch movies together (her and her boyfriend (now husband) and me and mine (now husband) downstairs in our basement. She used to laugh at us because, inevitably, almost every time, Todd and I zonked out on the couch, while she and Anthony made fun of us. It really was pretty funny. Todd and I have never been night people!

8. I have looked up to her ever since I can remember. After the initial "bratty" stage of myself and her "beating me up" stage, we have been inseparable! She has been my hero and my rock!

9. Wendy did not grow up active in the Church. She struggled for many years. She married a non-member. But it never became a rift between us. We stayed close and I always prayed she would come back. Prayer works, people! And miracles happen! She is now an incredible example to me and is a solid rock! She has been through a lot and her and her husband are now sealed together forever! (NEVER saw that one coming....sorry Anthony). And they have 2 beautiful adopted children who are sealed to them also. I even got to hold the 1st one at the altar. She'll probably never know what that meant to me.

Her two children when her second child was sealed to them.

10. We used to go to movies together and sneak in pizza and other such yummy entrees. This was before the time you could buy it there and bring in a whole meal.

11. We went to so many movies together and we were usually the only ones laughing OUT LOUD in the theater. I think we saw Princess Bride together for the first time, and we couldn't stop laughing. HILARIOUS! But then, everything was always funnier with her around.

12. We've laughed, cried, yelled, fought, and hugged each other at various times in our lives. But we've always stayed close. I'm so thankful for that!

13. She listens to my drama---which I seem to have almost every time I call her. I'm sure she rolls her eyes when she sees on the caller ID that it's me, but she never lets on....she acts interested and always gives the best advice!

Not a great picture, I know. But it's so cute!

Well, I could probably go on and on. So many good memories. I get to go visit Wendy in Las Vegas next week for 6 WHOLE DAYS!! I can't wait. And although I'm bringing my little Jacob with me, I know it will be full of laughter, silliness, and FUN! I love you Wendy! Thanks for being my big sister! Can't wait to see you!