THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING...# 29

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL

OK...it's been nice knowing you bloggy friends...if I disappear from view...blame my sister!:o
Today is Joy's birthday, and I couldn't find the pic of us together that I wanted to post...what with me getting so organized and all...you understand. So, I found this one and it was just screaming to be posted for all the world to see. Isn't she cute? People always told her and still do, actually, that she looks like me. I think she realizes how lucky she is!:)
Seriously, I love her with all my heart. She is there...anytime, anywhere. She is a cheerleader, supporter, confidant, partner in crime, and best friend...and a wonderful shopping buddy! She will even tell me to "get out of the bakery" if that's what I need to do. (She did...and I did). She is there to take the extra load off of me, so I can be with Alex more. She many times does my part and her part...and never complains. She is more than an aunt to my boys. They love her, and respect her, and go to her for advice and as a sounding board. It is important that kids have someone other than their parents to turn to when needed. My guys have always had their Aunt Joy. And I fully trust whatever she would tell them...even if I never knew what it was. If they don't want to worry me...they will call her to worry instead. And, she loves them back just as much. There is no need now, since my boys are grown, but she would have been the only one I would have trusted to raise my children like I would have wanted. As we have gotten older our bond stays just as close. She can read me like a book. She knows what is going on by the tone of my voice. She is the person in this universe who is the closest to me. She is my sister. And, my friends...that is a beautiful thing!