The Proud Big Sister

(Left to Right:  Mom, Logan, Chelsey, Dad, Dillon, and me)

I don't know what it is about becoming a mother that has made me so much more introspective lately.  Maybe it's the realization that a little one is always watching and learning from what he sees, but I have become more aware of myself and the people around me.  And sometimes I feel like I am seeing people with new eyes.

For instance, take my three siblings - Logan, Chelsey, and Dillon.  I'll call them the "Triple Threat."  They are pretty amazing.

In case you couldn't figure it out, I am the oldest of four.  My brother Logan is 6 years younger, my sister Chelsey 10 years younger, and my baby brother Dillon is a whopping 18 years younger than I am!  So the distance between us in age is quite large for your average family, and it has taken a while for me to really connect with each one as an individual.

I can't tell you how many times I have used the words "my brother Logan..." (albeit usually in Arabic) as an example of a hard-working, determined young American man.  I was amazed that he was able to finish not one but two master's degrees all the while working nights at UPS!  Yes, the big sister in me is proud but come on, that's quite an accomplishment!

And my sister Chelsey is no different.  She finished her undergrad in Sports Administration and went right into an MBA program.  With ten years between us, you would think that we wouldn't have much to talk about.  How wrong you would be!  She has such a passion in everything she does, and I must say that it is quite inspiring.  I was floored when she got her black-belt in Taekwondo years ago, but now that she is in Guatemala on her first mission trip I must say that I can't wait to see what she will do next!

My youngest brother Dillon is still just 14.  He will be entering high school in the fall, and it boggles the mind to think that the time has passed this quickly.  I believe his resume may outdo all of us - with several acting gigs in local theaters, a black-belt in Taekwondo, numerous Boy Scout awards,...and I'm sure many other things I am not aware of.  I think I speak for my entire family when I say we can't wait to see what the future holds for Dillon!

And I must give recognition also to my parents.  Without them and their love & support, none of us would be where we are today.  I praise the Lord for them!

In a world where so many families live so far apart, many people often have to substitute friends for family.  And although I fully understand this (and have done the same myself at times), there really is NO substitute for  my family.  It can be easy to let Mom do all the work in bringing the family together, but I think it is our responsibility as well to stay in touch with our siblings.

And to Logan, Chelsey and Dillon - I am so proud of you and I love you all so much!