Dear Ashley,

Today is your birthday.  A special one, too.  You are turning old. O-L-D.  I guess that means I am as well.  But, I'm still younger than you!

Neeenerneeenerneeener.

Really, though, birthdays are special.  It's like a bookmark, with each year signifying the end to a splendid chapter.  I am sure this last year had many highs and lows.  Like the time you took Emily for me when I went into labor with Andrew.  Or when you took all the exquisite photos of our family.  I am sure there are other more distant memories that you can recall better than I. 

It's funny how we spent so much of our teenage years fighting.  Your iron will against mine.  A clash of Titans.  Physically, you won much more of the fights, but emotionally, I'd say I did some damage.  I'm sorry for that.  I am grateful that we have moved past that adolescent nonsense and turned our relationship into something much better--a sister relationship.  We still exchange silly banter but our fights have diminished, our iron melted down.  We have our differences, of course, yet we see past those.  Recognizing how much we need each other.

I felt it more poignantly after I miscarried.  You called and it meant the world to me.  Knowing that I had a sister who cared and would listen.  Thank you.

I wish you the best on this birthday.  Enjoy the cabin and the fishing.  Above all, remember that I am here, forever, as your sister.

Love,
Amber