Story of a Girl...and Me

There once was a girl who walked on her own. She walked in her way in her shoes in her life. She walked in the places where no one approved, not caring who saw, having nothing to lose. Her path winded here and there, daring to try what was forbidden and step into shadows. Everyone yelled from a distance that it wasn't allowed, that her destination was darkness and it would soon be too late.

As for me, I followed closely cautioning her to slow down and think twice-tripping over my own words as I yearned to see what she saw and make my own footprints in the mud. For so long I walked with one foot in her world and the other in my own. I walked just a little behind this mysterious girl-close enough to hear her secrets and know her fears, but far enough to avoid the danger. I told myself that I was wiser, that I did the right thing because it was right. Looking back, I know now it was only that I lacked courage to run around the next bend to find my own way.

One day something happened and the girl and I were separated. There had been many times n our past when we were angry with and couldn't stand each other, but I found...now...her absence was frightening. Even when unkind, she was a place of security for me. Suddenly, she was gone. She no longer hogged the bathroom and made us late by taking forever to get ready. Her stereo wasn't too loud because it wasn't there. The dishes she had always left out for me to wash no longer cluttered the counter, though I would have gladly washed a thousand dirty plates in return for one day how it used to be. There was no one to tell me I smelled good after I put on cologne. To stop me from walking out of the house when my clothes didn't match. No one to go on walks with me, buy me Dairy Queen, or explain the way girls think...

I missed her more then I could say and I was angry. Angry at my parents, angry at the girls friends, angry at her, and angry at myself. Who did they think they were? Were they thinking at all? It wasn't fair! After 15 years, we were just becoming good friends and...they took her away-I let them. I wanted her to make the right choices for me. To not make waves because I didn't want to lose sight of her. I didn't understand.

Away for a year and I came back. Now I know what I believe. Now I understand. We differ, this girl and I. We are on different paths-but it has only made my love for her more real. I pray for her, and wait patiently so thankful just that she is here.

That girl, dear sister, is you. For 19 years you have blessed me with the beauty, wisdom, and fun of an older sister. This holiday I want to show you that I have not forgotten.

Merry Christmas, Elizabeth.