Friday, April 17, 2009

Sarah Sunshine

I have a sister just 14 months younger. We always shared a room. At night we would stay up late talking and she would tickle my feet as we talked. How lucky am I? If she was overly tired she might snore and I would gently nudge her with those feet and say, "Stop Snoring."

Sarah has a heart of gold. We have always said she is all heart. One of her nick names is Sarah Sunshine, because her happiness is always contagious. She has been known to show up on my door step with a gift of soda and candy. No one could ask for a better sister. She was greatly missed when she moved to Seattle for 2 years. Once she even paid for half my ticket, so I could come visit her in Washington. The beauty of homes nestled amongst pine trees is unparalleled. Even a rare snowfall graced the trees with its glory. I will always treasure that special trip.


There were times as a child I knew what to say to incite anger from her. Intentionally provoking a sibling was always referred to as "pushing their buttons" in our home. Yes, sadly I knew how to push her buttons. I was known to do it from time to time. I think I just loved the attention. Gone are those days of youthful banter. No longer do we share a room of slumber. What does remain are the fond memories of my cherished friend. She knows me best and loves me any way. As children I repeatedly pushed her to the depths of frustration, hoping to bring out those angry words, "I hate you," which signaled victory. I was sure I must be the champion of antagonism. The frailties of youth understanding, it was she who championed patience and long suffering!

Now I invest my energies to see her smile! How I love to see her laugh and I enjoy that special twinkle in her eye. Love to see all she accomplishes with such creative energy. She was born with all the creative genius. I was the lemon on that tree. She is exceptional at sharing her time and talents. She is the master of selflessness.

Today is her 30th Birthday, I wish her all the joy and happiness she so richly deserves! Many of us strive to be more Christlike, her very nature places her further along that path than most. As I travel down that road, I realize she is miles ahead and I must run faster. With age comes wisdom. Sarah has championed the essential virtues of love, kindness, service, honesty, respect, patience, and charity. I am blessed through her example and honored by her friendship! I am so grateful God has placed her love in my life!

19 comments:

Bubba the Hutt said...

Sarah is a fantastic girl, her husband is a lucky man.

Happy Birthday Sarah.

Hot Diggity Daws said...

Luckily for Sarah I have Bubba to kick now! :) Happy Birthday Sarah!!

✩Molly✩ said...

I love her too, so much! I also hope that this can be a wonderful and special day for her. I told her, now she is 30 and flirty and thriving! What could be better?!

Lana said...

Schweet post. Sarah is fabulous indeed. You can tell, just from talking to her for a few minutes, that she is loving and happy and full of kindness. Great post about her. She's blessed to have a sister like you too. :) Happy Birthday to Sarah!

John and Lisa said...

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to Sarah. I want to show this to my own daughters, and sons for that matter. I keep telling them..."there will come a time, when your siblings will be your dearest friends." Made me cry~!! Hope Sarah had a great 30th birthday! Wait! I'M supposed to be 30 still! Time is zipping by...! Thanks for the uplifting words today!

Sarah S. Foote said...

Thank you so much for your sweet words and all you did to make my birthday special. YOU are the best sister ever!
Love you tons!

Kim said...

What a fun excuse to Celebrate a person!! You put it very nicely Wendy. Sarah is all that and more! It's amazing that one little person holds that same place in SO MANY hearts!! Happy Birthday Sarah!!!

RatalieNose said...

I love Sarah too! She was an awesome primary teacher! So were you! Haha what a great post!

Nash said...

she is great. we were in the same ward 2 yrs ago. didn't know they moved.

Nikki said...

What a very nice post for Sarah. Sarah you are amazing in so many ways, you are willing to do anything for anybody with a happy heart. You truly just make me smile everytime I see you, we can always count on great smiles and hugs from you. And yes....30, Flirty, & Thriving, Enjoy your birthday, sorry I missed lunch. Hope you have a great night on your date. ♥♥♥YA MUCH

TuTu said...

Happy 30th, Sarah! I, too, am blessed to know you and want you to know that the best is yet to come, just hang in there and keep smiling! You're a wonderful aunt to our little g-sons and a treasure to Wendy and Brian. Please remember that your sparkling smile warms us all. Take care and have a great day! Hugs, :) TuTu

Allyson & Jere said...

What a sweet, sweet tribute to Sarah. Sisters are the best, that is for sure, and Sarah is a truly special spirit! Hope her birthday was great!

Anonymous said...

It was hard to finish reading this to Dad through my tears. Such a beautiful tribute and such sweet girls he sent to me. Three lovely daughters...The real treasures of life. I feel truly blessed. Love, Mom

✩Molly✩ said...

moms comment nearly made me cry!

Porter Shumway said...

too true, too true. Sarah is a gem among gems. Love her!

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