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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Treasure Tuesday


As with every treasure there is a story behind it. Here is today's story.

My parents divorced when I was around 8. My brother and I lived with my dad. When he remarried she already had a son so I instantly gained another brother. A couple of years later when I was 10 they were having a baby. Oh how I wanted a baby sister! I already had 2 brothers, there needed to be another girl to balance things out right? It wasn't meant to be though as I got a 3rd brother. (He was a wonderful sibling despite not being a girl though! And I just found out my "baby" brother is getting married next May - man kids grow up fast don't they?!)

My mom also remarried and when I found out she was pregnant I again hoped, wished and prayed for a sister. This time it happened - I finally had a sister! But I was 16 by this time and living overseas in Germany...I missed that "baby" stage!

About 8 months after I graduated from high school I moved in with my mom and lived with them for about 4 years. Since there is a 16-yr age difference between my sister and myself I didn't really get to "grow up" having a sister around, but I loved having a sister nonetheless.

And I have had the privledge of watching her grow up into this beautiful person instead. My little sister will start this school year as a senior and I can hardly believe it. She'll be graduating next year and it doesn't seem possible.

Up until the 8th grade she attended a private, Christian school. Then in 9th grade she went to the public high school and I thought wow what a culture shock that will be for her! I wonder how she'll handle it. She made the transition flawlessly; didn't even seem to phase her!

She does so much in high school - much more than I ever did. She was not only on her school's soccer team, but also the local town's team (indoor and outdoor soccer), at one time she did volleyball too. Now she also does track and swimming. She takes mostly honors classes.

This year she added something else to her resume. She took a fire rescue/training course which included EMT training. She completed this course with the 2nd highest academic scores. My 16 yr old sister is a certified EMT and a volunteer firefighter - she spends some weekends at the firestation and goes out on calls.

She accomplished this all while still going to school and maintaining A/B averages in those honors classes, on top of homework, going to youth groups and church, and just hanging out with her friends.

I don't know how she did it/still does it. She continued to stay busy this summer - she's a lifeguard and she took a school trip to England and Ireland.

Not only am I in awe of all she has done, I am so very impressed, and so very proud of her.

Here is my beautiful little sister with her senior pictures...my treasure...my sister...




23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Michelle, what a beautiful piece you wrote on your sister , Kelly!! She is beautiful and has done a lot and done quite well at what she has done. I am proud of my neice Kelly and of you Michelle in what all you have done and are doing for your beautiful daughter Kayla. Love, Aunt Debbie

Beck said...

What a beautiful girl, inside and out. I have a brother who was born when I was 13, so I can really relate to feeling both like a sibling and also proud like a parent, in a way.

Sandra said...

Loved your post :) Your sister is beautiful and I'm sure she's going to be sooooooo excited about your post, your love for her definitely shines through :)

Dori (Aviva's mommy) said...

She is beautiful and one smart girl. You sound so proud of all her accomplishments at such a young age.

I wish her the best in her senior year.

HUGS!

Overwhelmed! said...

What a nice sister you have. I love her Senior pictures, especially the last one!

My youngest brother is 11 years younger than me, so I missed out on a lot of his growing up years too, but now he's a young man that I'm proud of and a new daddy to a beautiful little girl!

Carole Burant said...

I always wanted a sister too but it just didn't happen...you are very lucky to have finally got one:-) She truly is beautiful and very smart...I love it when kids that age apply themselves to their studies and get involved, bless her heart! The very best of luck to her in her future and also congrats to your brother who's getting married:-)

Anonymous said...

COngrats on her making it to be a senior, it can be hard sometimes! How wonderful she has been and continues to be to her community and family! Good Luck to her in her senior year and I wish her and YOU all the best!

oh btw, I will post my Show me your's on Saturday!

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Oh, that's sweet, Michelle. And MAN, I'm impressed! Congrats to her and your parents for doing such a great job!

Anonymous said...

WOW! This is too awesome! I luv her firefighter pic, sooty face & all.

Jessica said...

What a great post! Your sister is beautiful! My brother was 16 when I was born and we have a strong bond like the 2 of you do too. His birthday is later this week and I'm planning on writing about him.

Catch said...

She is a beautiful girl....I love the picture of her in her firefighting uniform...she has a lot going on fer herself...no wonder you are so proud! My boys were 14 and 8 when I had Ashley...sometimes they act like her Fathers...lol

Anonymous said...

Kelly is certainly a sister to be proud of!! In a day and age when young people just "get by" in school and life it's good to see someone like your sister come along and just shine in all she does!

Barb said...

She's an amazing young woman and a wonderful choice for your treasure. I guarantee you my only sister is one of my most cherished treasures. I can see why you're so proud of her.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, I cried when I read what you wrote about your sister Kellina..THANK YOU...I can not wait for her to get home (she is lifeguarding)and read what you wrote.. It will lift up her spirits and encourage her to stand strong in all that she does...She loves you Michelle (glad you have a Joe as your husband ) and a Kayla as your daughter . Love Mom

Anonymous said...

hey that's me! that's me!
thanks michelle! i love you!

Unknown said...

Wow, I can see how you'd be so proud of your sister. And I thought I was busy lol!! What a great treasure!

K.T. is Mommatude said...

WOW! I am in awe.That is spectacular,it is always awesome when the big sister looks up to the little sister...LOL.Great Post and uplifting as well!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I still freak out a little sometimes when I see that Kelly is a young lady now and not a little girl anymore. I remember the first pictures you ever sent of her as an infant and how beautiful I thought she was. She looks just beautiful in these pictures too and the fire fighting one is awesome. She looks great! This is a wonderful treasure. Way to go, Kelly.
love, Nisa

Deb said...

A beautifully written post. Your love for your sister was in every stoke of the key.

I'm so impressed with everything she's accomplished! What a beautiful, smart, young lady!

Anonymous said...

That is so nice. What a great post (and a treasure for your sister to be able to read about how you feel!)

Anonymous said...

Wow! I can't believe how much Kelly has changed. I still remember that little 2 year old girl from when i moved to Maryland. She has grown up to be a beautiful young lady! She has really made some great accomplishments!It's hard to believe she will be a senior! I seems like only yesterday she was watching Barney! My sister is also a senior this year and that is hard to believe also!Our little sisters have really grown up!Makes me feel old. lol!

Amy Flege said...

Your tribute to your sister is so special!! You should be proud!!

Unknown said...

She is so beautiful, and I'm so thankful that you got that little sister, because they truly are one of life's greatest treasures. You baby sister is my oldest daughters age [gosh I feel old right now]......may she have a glorious senior year.