Today is my sister's birthday.
Well, she's actually my sister-in-law, but I've known her since I was 7 years old and she's been married to my brother for the past 20 years....so maybe you can understand why I consider her more of a sister than an "in law".
At first I didn't quite like her because she was different. She was much different than the people in my community and at times it felt like she was taking away part of my family (by marrying my brother and moving away).
It took me a while to really like her. Sometimes I was jealous of her. As the youngest of 3, with 2 older brothers, I didn't really have to share any of my parents' attention. So when she came around, I started to be a little envious that my parents now focused on someone else. Sometimes that would create a lil wedge between her and I. Usually, I would be a brat, due to my lack of maturity.
Things have changed a lot since then....
I love my dear sister Becka. I often refer to her as my "sister", which sometimes confuses people who know that I only have brothers. But it's funny when people approach me and refer to her as "sister-in-law". It confuses me and I forget that they're actually talking about her, and not my other brother's wife.
She's taught me a lot through the years. Since my brother & "sister in law" have lived with us since I was a kid, she really had a hand in my upbringing. She attended BYU and is fluent in Spanish, due to her LDS mission to Chile....because of this, she helped me with A LOT of homework--from elementary through college. She is the most patient person I know and also the most honest person I will ever know. (Funny little story: My brother once caught me in a lie about something concerning Becka. He told me, "I'm going to believe Becka--she's ALWAYS honest".) It was from Becka that I learned to value integrity in my life, by example and by word. I KNOW I can always trust her, I have never had a reason not to.
Since my sister is Caucasian, we've been blessed to have American cuisine in our home. I've learned several dishes, in which I am thankful. She is a very talented cook and baker. There has never been a meal/dish that I did not like. I am sure that's in part to her wonderful mother, as well.
Becka was my escort through the Temple for the first time. Most women choose their mothers. I chose her because of her patient, nurturing and caring heart. I often think she knows me better than my own mother, she probably does. It's her that I go to when I have a problem at work, a guy I'm crushing on or a life situation I don't know how to handle. She listens and gives the best advice. She's a wonderful mother and have taught her 4 children exceptionally well. I hope I can be a tender mother and loving wife like her, someday. I love her dearly and I will always be eternally grateful to have her as my sister. She is the best choice my brother has ever made.
Maybe one day I will grow up to be like her...smart, wise, funny, beautiful and loving. I can only hope so...
Happy Birthday to my awesome sister, Becka!
