I Really Wanted a Puppy

"I really wanted a puppy, and they brought her instead." I would say to people when they would ask how I felt about my sister.  There are 13 years difference between the two of us.  Yes, I'm older and have to say it, I'm taller.  But I'm here to set the record straight today, on the week of her birthday.  I wanted a sibling.  Badly. 

I was so excited when my parents announced that they were expecting.  I didn't care if it was a brother or sister.  When Kristal was born, I stayed with my Grandfather.  He came in at 3:00 AM and woke me to tell me that I had a new sister, and that Mom and Dad and "Kristal" were fine.  I snuggled back down into the covers, with my hand on the dog, and lay there with my eyes wide open trying to imagine this new person that I was going to meet the next day.  Dad picked me up from school early, and brought me out to the hospital.  I had a little sign that had her name on it and a picture of  the doll "Strawberry Shortcake".   I had made it  for the bassinet and flowers for Mom.  I was pretty nervous about meeting Kristal and seeing Mom.  Were they going to have room for me?  Was I going to like it? 

I remember walking into the "Snuggery" and Dad brought me up to the window of the nursery.  There in a white bassinet was my sister.  Dark haired, pink faced, and tiny.  Oh so tiny.  I fell in love right there.  We gave the sign to the nurse and she put it right on the bassinet.  We walked down to Mom's room, where she was waiting.  She had her arms out and enveloped me in a big hug.  Dad brought Kristal in, and Mom and I and Kristal sat together while Dad snapped pictures.  I wanted to bring her home right then.  There was room for me.  And yes, I was going to like it. 

Kristal called me "Sisser" for the longest time.  We lived in a trailer for many years, and she always got up earlier than me. (UGH)  With Dad and Mom egging her on, she would trundle down the hallway.  She was too short (hehehe) to reach the door knob, but she quickly learned that if she got going fast enough she could pop the door open by running into it full tilt with a "HI SISSER!"  That was NOT what I wanted to hear early in the morning after a dance or a date.  Snuggling in bed was not an option.  She would get giggling and start tickling and rough housing.  So I talked her into making a "nest".  However, the "nest" was in my laundry hamper!  She fit perfectly.  She would crawl in my hamper, I'd cover her up, and enjoy 20 minutes of sleep.  If I came up with the idea, she thought it was great.

How awesome is that?

Over the years, we have had so many good times.  13 years difference didn't phase us in the least.  In fact, it made our relationship stronger.  I got to help play Santa Claus, I got to help be the tooth fairy, I got to be the one that snapped photos of cheerleading, dancing, concerts,  & plays. I got to take her to NY city for the first time and watch her face light up when we watched the Phantom of the Opera.  (Even though I got the date wrong and we ALMOST didn't get to see the show at all!  But thanks to a very kind doorman, we had awesome seats.)  For many years, she backed me up.  Then as she got older, it was my turn to back her up.  I got to see her graduate from college, be her sponsor at confirmation, be her Maid of Honor, and held her hand when we gave Dad back to God.  I couldn't ask for a better friend. 

It's Kristal's birthday this week.  She is also expecting and there will be  13 years difference between her child and my child.  Funny how life can circle around.  So, setting the record straight once and for all....I am still older and still taller, but I really didn't want a puppy...I really wanted a sister. Not only did I get a sister, I got a best friend.   Happy Birthday!!

This week's menu is Kristal inspired.  These are her favorite childhood meals.  There are stories behind each meal, and she should remember all of them!

Monday
Stew (venison or beef)
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits ***

Tuesday
Tacos
Fruit

Wednesday
Chicken with Rice and Cashews***
Green Beans

Thursday
Fettuchini Alfredo ***
Green Salad
Garlic Bread
Marble Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Friday
Dijorno Supreme Pizza
Butter lettuce salad