Perspective

Top- lft: me with #2, middle: #2, #3 on my lap, rt: #3

2nd row- lft. #4 with the rest of us, middle: #4, rt. before # 2 went on her mission

3rd row- # 2 & #4 in Mexico, middle: all of us, again, rt: #2& 4 thrilling at the prospect of running with me in December.

_________________________________________________________

I am the eldest sister in a four girl family. To appreciate my position I must state I am also the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family. - I know you are thinking, "her poor husband!", but, that is another story.

The situation I was born into was ideal. I am not saying the world was perfect because I was born, but.... it was a charmed existence. I was worshiped. Everything I did was the cutest thing ever! I had four grandparents and nine aunts and uncles at my dimpled call.

It was.....short lived.

When I was 3 1/2 my crystal pedestal came crashing down with the arrival of a sister. At first, I wasn't alarmed...She sort of looked like Don Knotts. But then disaster emerged with her chubby cuteness. Not only was she blond, but she twinkled. She was a nightmare. Things did not improve. After that sister came another, and then another. They were each delightful and charismatic. I was the only one who knew what they really were: naughty little elves sent to ruin my Barbies, music tapes, and eventually...my perfume and makeup.

As the years have passed, however, I discovered that these three little girls have become most cherished friends. They are clever, loving, and inspiring. They are also exceedingly silly and somewhat mischevious- they get that from our dad. I am so greatful I was not raised in my "ideal" world. What would I do without my sisters?