Forever Paisley

This past weekend two of the most important people in my life celebrated their birthdays.  My mom and my sister.  Separated by three decades, born only one day apart these two women have both been very influential in my life.  From The Chenille Sisters to Salt N’ Pepa.  From JNCO’s to Abercrombie.  From Sunny D to screwdrivers.  From the Midwest to the West Coast.  They’ve seen it all.  They have stood by me.  Not because they had to, but because they cared.  As each of them enter another year of their lives I have no doubt that the world will bring them great things.

Sis:  Angie, Ang, Pange, Nanga or as she told her first grade class … Ongela.  The little girl who once feared burnt popcorn more than garden snakes.  The teenager who I had to lock in her bedroom to ward off sneaky party goers.  The woman who has opened my eyes to more than I could ever imagine.  Her 24th year will be bright.  In September she is off to Bauman, a holistic culinary arts school where she will further her expertise as a wellness coach and work towards her dream of opening a cafe.  Surrounded by an eclectic, wholesome network of people she will continue to call Petaluma home.  Yooper Reunions, Lake Superior sunsets and musical adventures will surely bring her across the country more than once.  She will continue to live, learn and grow, impressing those around her each and every day.

Mom: Sue, Susie, Sue-sha or Mamma Cherrettie.  The woman who taught me how to tie my shoes during a tornado.  The woman who bit her tongue when I told her, at the bright age of 20, that I was busting down to Guatemala by myself to take care of orphans.  The woman who continues to coach me through life, supporting every dream that I conjure up.  Entering her 55th year retirement is just around the corner.  The car is tuned up, her passport is ready and the world is hers.  In September she and my dad will kick off their travel spree with a cross-country road trip.  When she isn’t busy exploring the world she will be taking time to reconnect with her passions.  She will cause trouble all over the UP with her fellow rebel retirees and lifetime friends.  She will cherish what was left behind by generations before her and make our Skanee camp a home.

Day 9,441. Gratulerer med dagen.  Wishing you both another year of health and happiness.