Mimi-imi-bo-bimi

She shows all her teeth when she smiles. I have always loved that about my older sister Mimi. It's a beautiful smile; warm and inviting. I think I love her smile because it embodies so much of her personality. She is fun. She can tell a good joke, but she is even better at laughing at another's. She can fill a room with beauty and delight just by being there. She is caring and sincere. Yes, absolutely sincere. That is a perfect word to describe her. And her smile always reveals her sincerity. And yet, even in the hard times, her smile is present to shine away the gloom.

She is talented and oh so very crafty. She made her wedding dress! It leaves me speechless to think about. She sews and crafts and even sews her crafts. She has been published in a handful of magazines for her beautiful scrapbook pages and ideas and scrapping theories. She is musical and artsy. And an incredible photographer. Absolutely brilliant.

She has a way with words. If there is anything most in my family are lacking it is the ability to communicate effectively. I think that is because Mimi got the majority of talent in this area. She is wonderfully eloquent and has been a mouthpiece for many of us stutterers.

But by far, Mimi's greatest accomplishment and talent is the rearing of her six amazing children. You could probably include more than just six since she is 12 years my senior and contributed to a lot of my own upbringing - but we were just good practice. When I think about being a new mother with very little experience and not having my own Mom to turn to for advice, I am comforted by the thought of Mimi. She is in every way the kind of mother I hope to be. And I know that I can turn to her for the advice I need and will need. She is patient and loving, but most of all, she is her children's friend. That is what I want to be.

Thank you Mimi for being a such a great sister and even better example. I love you.

Happy Birthday!

c.1988