She Is Odd Too

She is 8 years younger than me. She is also more carefree, a glass is half full kind of person. I, on the other hand, always see life as more than half empty. When I look at her, I can remember convincing her to eat dog food when she was a toddler. I'm just that sweet of a sister.

Today is her birthday, so I'm doing what I do best--putting my words in print. She too is now an odd number. I thought that by publicly talking about her, it might cheer her up. Again, I repeat, I'm a way sweet sister.

Top 10 things you should know about her:

• She has used chapstick on her nose. On purpose.
• She can make a car alarm sound with her voice. It's truly frightening.
• She has difficulty with the English language, particularly with the words: liberry (library), costchume (costume) and krahn (crayon).
  
• She once offered a homeless woman a loaf of bread. The woman threw it in the street. Emily retrieved it and took it home to toast it up. I'm completely serious. I can't even make this stuff up.
• When she was growing up, my brother would sing a song to her about a beached whale, every day.
  
• She is convinced her tongue is too big for her mouth.
• She is the only person on the planet who hates, and I mean hates, gum. She chewed a piece of bubble gum just to get Makell to promise not to throw any more tantrums. The experience nearly killed her.
• She is a very patient mom. I watch her in awe.
• She is convinced that she saw a penguin. In Houston. On the golf course. Oh yes, I kid you not.
• Over the last year and a half, she has faced many life altering trials. She has walked through challenges that I never dreamed possible. And through it all, she has shown great personal courage and integrity. She has become a hero, and set an example I will forever try to reach.

She is fun, spontaneous, and kind. All the things I long to be (in a very scheduled and structured manner, of course). She is also the favorite. It's a proven fact, much to my dismay. And why wouldn't she be? Not everyone has the intelligence to see a penguin in Texas. I can't even compete with that.

Happy Birthday to the sister I love and adore.