Hey Sis. You know, today is a special day in the world for those of us blessed to know you. It's birthday #26 for you. 26 years of us being different because we've known you.
I love that these are the first pictures I found of you. Your expressions are classic Danielle. #1: "Okay, I'll try to smile, but take the picture fast." #2: "Why are you still trying to take the picture?" #3: "Seriously, why?" Or, at least that's what I imagine you thinking. Truthfully, while we are alike in many of our quirks, in some ways you are a mystery to me.
I've always been a little envious of your boldness to say what you are thinking; to take the proverbial road less traveled. You aren't afraid to try something different (blue hair in high school? a nose ring? college 3 hours away? living on your own? considering moving to Seattle?), and I honestly admire that. Not to mention how crazy talented you are.
I remember you drawing Mickey Mouse over and over. I knew that I liked to doodle, but I realized even then that you were in a league beyond me. You have an eye for beautiful things and you capture them in your paintings and drawings. I love to see your creativity come to life, even in the way you organize your apartment (even in your OCD tendencies---"must stack papers on table just so..."). Some of my most prized possessions are the paintings you've done for me. I feel I have a little piece of you hanging on my wall. And that's another thing---I love the way you give your love to people.
You seem to love many people that some would say aren't very loveable. That's a beautiful thing. To see past someone's flaws and love them inspite of themselves. I know you've done that with me. There are many things, as your sister, I would go back in time and do differently. Alas, I can't. But you love me still. Thank you for that. You're a feisty little lady --- don't even try to say you aren't, but sometimes I am overcome to see your compassion pour over onto someone in need. Like how Mom told me that you held her hand that morning she was in pain after knee surgery and she couldn't take medicine yet. You just sat there and held her hand while it hurt, and it made me cry happy tears to think of you.
You are a beautiful woman. Beautiful. I love you so. Here's to many more years of getting to know you.
"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear..."
from [i carry your heart with me (i carry it in] by E.E. Cummings
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