Emily's birth is the first memory I have of a child's birth in our family. I remember Mom and Dad leaving in the middle of the night and 2 office elders coming to stay with us. One of them was really tall and his feet hung over the end of the bunk bed where he was sleeping. Chip and I woke him up by tickling his feet with multi-colored feathers in the morning. (Which raises an interesting question about where we found multi-colored fake feathers?) I remember Dad calling to say she had been born and we were so excited about having a new sister. That evening Dad came home to pick us up and take us to the hospital to meet her. I dressed myself in a smashing red outfit...red shirt, red wool skirt, red knee socks, red belt, red shoes...it was unfortunate that all the "reds" I'd chosen were a different shade. I remember walking in to the room where Mom was and seeing Emily laying in the plastic bed. She was so tiny but she belonged to us and we got to take her home! I remember holding her and the wonder of it all. A new baby, a new sister, and I was a big sister. It is a sweet memory in my mind!
Emily was always one of the "little" kids that I felt exrememly protective of. Even as a "less than desirable" teenager, I used to have dreams about the little kids and worry that something would happen to them. She has always been so cute with her little stick legs and long hair! And Emily has always had a fantastic sense of humor!
Emily is wonder woman to me. I secretly believe she wears a strapless Wonder Woman super hero leotard under her clothes and flies an invisible jet in her spare time. She can do anything and is frequently doing everything at the same time. She has faced circumstances and challenges in her life with courage and fortitude. I have seen her face daunting situations where she has simply done what needed to be done and moved forward. When I have asked her, "How did you do that?" she has always answered, "I don't know. You just do what has to be done." I have seen her serve and support her husband in difficult times, watched her be a superb mother in less than ideal situations, and take on challenges that other people would easily shy away from. I admire her faith, courage, dedication, resourcefulness, creativity, sense of humor, strong abiding testimony in the gospel, and her ability to adapt to new circumstances and situations. I love that she can fix any child's hair and finish it off with a smashing, beautiful bow! I love her creative eye and the amazing projects she "whips up". I love her perspective that always makes me laugh. I love how I feel around her and the strength she radiates. I love that I want to be a better person, a better mom, a better friend, a better sister because of her example. I am so grateful for my sister and the unique place she fills in my heart and my life.
Happy birthday Emily! I love you so much and admire the woman you are! I hope you have a fantastic day and know how much you are loved and adored. You are FABULOUS!
Love,
amy
