Happy Birthday to Our Dearest Annette!

A while back, Annette gave me, her sister, Lisa, the “keys” to her blog, in case I might ever need to use them. Well, today I’m feeling the need to break them out. Hopefully, she won’t regret too much that she gave me those keys.

Annette is having a birthday today- Friday, Novemeber 2.

Now anyone who knows me knows I am a big fan of celebrating the birthday. Weeks before, I am already letting my family know that my birthday’s coming up and how I want to celebrate. Presents are a welcome affair. I don’t get those people who don’t want anyone to know it’s their birthday. I want to shout it from the rooftop. Why? Because they’re fun. Because they’re reason to celebrate. Because it’s a great time to reflect. Because I love presents and cake.
Annette’s birthday gives us pause to do these things. To have fun, reflect and celebrate the gift of Annette.

Annette is not only my dearest (and only) sister and sibling. She is also my friend. She is someone I admire greatly. So many adjectives come to mind when I think of Annette. Here is the short list that pops into my head:
Warm
Caring
Genuine
Loving
Fun
Funny
Smart Witted
Intelligent
Hard Working
Classy
Loyal
Courageous
Brave
Faithful
......and just overall FABULOUS!

Annette has struggled over the years with many hurdles and “bumps” on the road. In fact, at times, I think she’s been broadsided by a transport truck more than once. Yet through it all, I have never heard Annette complain.
Never.
Ever.
Through physical and emotional pain. Through countless procedures and surgeries. Through nauseating (that’s an understatement if ever I heard one) and debilitating treatments. Through times of adjustment and learning. She is the bravest person I know and the person I admire most in this world. Her inner strength is amazing. Her perseverance is admirable. Despite it all, she still cares how others are doing. She genuinely feels badly if someone else is hurting. Amazing. I work towards having a fraction of her positive inner strength.

Many people have come to know Annette through her journey with cancer or Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). She is touching many lives. However, she does not let cancer define who she is. It is just like Annette to use this obstacle in her life and turn into a blessing and something that would glorify God.

Annette, on your **mrsdionf** (hand covering mouth) birthday, I wish you strength, peace and all the love you deserve. I love you.

So now I ask you all to come out of lurkdom and tell Annette that you love her too! Let’s make this the biggest blogging birthday party out there! Say hello, happy birthday, tell her what you love about her… your choice. Let’s show her how much she is loved!
Lisa
(the much younger sister – sorry, didn’t think you’d get through a birthday without that did you?)