Yesterday was my sister's birthday. Even though it was HER birthday, I received a wonderful gift. I sent her a Smilebox card (which by the way, if you have not used this Hallmark service, check it out). After opening it, she sent me an e-mail thanking me and telling me what a wonderful birthday she was having. Later that evening, I called her to tell her happy birthday. Hearing the happiness in her voice was my gift. You see, for over 18 years she was in a very unhappy relationship. They broke up, got back together, planned a wedding, called it off, and the cycle continued for 18 years. She always appeared to be happy on the outside, but I knew that inside she was miserable. I won't bore you with the details, but just to let you know, she finally had had enough and one morning realized that she could not be herself around him. She decided to call it quits for good! I could see an immediate change in her. More than anything, Sissy had always wanted to get married and have children. She even took Elle one time for a WHOLE MONTH! She kept coming up with excuses not to bring her back. Shortly after ending her relationship with "him", she met her current husband. Jeff is wonderful and has two great kids (a boy and a girl). She was so happy that she could be herself with him. She loves his kids and they love her. They dated for about a year and then in March of 2008, they got married. Sissy had her perfect family. This also made me happy. What Sissy does not know (but probably does after reading this), is that I cried for her many times, wanting her to have what I had...a loving husband and three (sometimes) wonderful children. My life is not perfect and we have our differences, but I would not change it for anything. So...now after hearing about her wonderful birthday and the happiness in her voice, it felt like I had received a birthday gift.
Wishing you all Happy Birthdays!
Gabbin' Gal Erin
