Today is my younger sister’s birthday, and these flowers are for her.

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I was the older sister, and for most of our lives, the more accomplished. She looked up to me, as I looked up to our older sisters.

But for some time now, I’ve been the one who’s looked up to her.

My little sister has quietly become one of my heroes.

She’s overcome many painful challenges.

Her marriage dissolved.

She went back to school while the children were still young. Went back to earn new qualifications that would pay the bills.

She raised her three sons, mostly on her own. Three beautiful young men.

Today she’s also a loving grandmother of two.

My sister’s faith and optimism are a joy to behold.

I’ve leaned on that strong faith in recent years. Hers and my other siblings’.

Through frequent phone calls from the U. S., where she lives…