Today my sister turns 29 years old.

I was exactly 2 1/2 years old when Jane was born. I wish I could tell you I remember her coming from the hospital, but I can’t… the one thing I do remember is that I didn’t want to leave her side once she was home.

I always knew how special it was having a sister. Maybe it’s because my mother never had a sister… and till this day, I can tell, it’s the one thing in life I know she wished she had had. But you can’t choose these things, they choose you. So my mother really instilled in Jane and I the importance and love of the sister bond.

I can’t quite put into words how special Jane is to me… it’s funny- we are so very different in so many ways, yet so alike in many other ways. It’s always so strange to see the differences in us… Jane hates coffee. I can’t function half a second without a cup. Jane’s a Scorpio, I’m a Gemini. Jane’s a marathon runner. I’m lucky if I can complete a 5K! Jane is living in NYC. I’m back in Rhode Island. And we’re amazingly alike… our sense of humors, our love of family, our love of kids, our love of competing and keeping ourselves healthy.

I remember when I found out I was pregnant… I hoped (upon) hope that baby would someday have a bond with a brother or sister the way that Jane and I (along with our brothers) have for each other. It made me want to have more kids… I never dreamed 4 boys back then! And even so, I cannot wait to see my own sister as a mother someday.

Jane… I love you. I wish I could celebrate with you in NYC! But I will absolutely have a piece of cake with you this weekend!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!