Happy Birthday, B.

Today my sister Betsy turns 30. She's thousands of miles from me, so my birthday contact with her will be limited to texting and blogs. But in attempt to make up for the fact that I can't take her out to lunch or coffee or for a lemon-mint drink on the Arabian Gulf, I hope to honor her in this little way.


Betsy, you are one of the more unique individuals I have known and by far the most interesting of us sisters. I've always envied your uninhibited way of living life - so far from how I operate that I wonder how in the world we came from the same two parents. But thanks for always being who God made you and not apologizing for it.

I've learned so much from you over the course of our time as sisters and know you will continue to make me think deeply about God and life. You've played a big role in my spiritual journey from the time I was sitting on the living room couch and you came to tell me you had surrendered your life to Christ (I'm sure I was less than gracious) to my IU year as God used you to be my friend, example, and just be present when I needed someone the most. And, of course, the memories from our time in Qatar and Qasr will forever be burned in my brain as one of the best trips I've ever taken.

I have so much respect for you as a wife and mother and woman of God. Thanks for sharing life with me despite the fact I haven't always been the friend you deserved. I hope you have a wonderful birthday over there in the land of sheikhs. Love you and happy 30th!


4 comments:

Sara Huber said...

Well-written, Em. Love you both!

Sandra said...

happy 30th betsy!!!

Molly said...

A right-on tribute to our sister. Happy 30th, Bets:)

Betsy said...

Awww, I just read this! Em, this makes my day, thanks for this sweet tribute and I am humbled to have played those roles in your life...my main regret is that today we can't be as proximity-close as before. This is sad, but a fact of life right now. I love you too, dearest Pemily!