My Sister is 60 today!

I was born 6 years after my Sister and it sometimes felt like 20 years difference. As I was growing up we had to share a room together, which really didn't bother me but as you can imagine it was really hard on her. Having to put up with a insolent young whippersnapper like me was really akin to torture for her. I had a tendency for not keeping my side of the room tidy, and because of that we had many a squabble, I can remember one time after wearing a particular sweater and staining it she made me a "believer" that I shouldn't do that again!

One thing I was really proud of was her membership in a drum corp in high school. She carried the Lassie Drum Corp Flag, and did all those really cool high steps and kicks. I'm sure it must have not been as glamorous as I remember, lots of early mornings practices in inclement weather and you can't even imagine how heavy that flag was. But I was always so proud seeing her participating in one of their exhibitions They got to wear those fancy kilts, and spats and all. Each one turning and marching in perfect time. It was really neat to be able to say My Sister was a Lassie!

She has been there for me more times than I could count, when our Mother died she was the one to tell me the sad news. She was the one who stepped in and handled our Dad's estate when he died and also our Grandmother's primary caretaker when we had to move her to a nursing home. She is the rock of the family and I'm not sure how we would have made it without her.

She was there for me during some really hard times in my life when I really didn't care about myself or anyone around me, strangely enough she cared about me.

She worked her way through college and graduated, found a job with the local telephone company and worked there for 30 years before she retired. She is active in her church and finds time to explore some of her favorite hobbies as well. She likes to do pottery, grow flowers, also works with her husband in a catering business and helps out with his deer processing plant. Frankly I don't know where she finds the time to breathe let alone take time to help me out when ever I need it.

A few years back I was living in Kansas City and following a health scare I had, she suggested I move back home. As a matter of fact almost insisted! Well I took her up on it and she was the one to go out and actually find me an apartment, get it all set up for me to be able to move and then she and her husband drove a van, packed all my belonging in it and brought me home. Now that I'm back, I have to admit it was the best move I ever made and I have her to thank for it.

I have done my best in the past few years to try and pay her back in the only way I can. By reminding her how much I appreciate and love her and her husband for all they do for me. I try not to be a burden anymore and so far I think I'm doing better at that. At least I think so...
Thank you my Sister, I love you very much. I hope you have a wonderful birthday today!

These are flowers from her garden.

My Sister, My Friend
Leann Stiegman
To me you are an angel in disguise.

Full of intuition, intelligent, and wise.

Always giving and helping through good times and bad.

You are the best friend I've ever had.

If I had one wish it would surely be to give you as much as you've given to me.

Though I've put our relationship through some cloudy days, you've been my sunshine in so many ways.

Through trials and tests, right by me you stood, and gave me your hand whenever you could.

Thank you so much my Sister, my friend.My gratitude for you has no end.