Sisters

I have the most incredible sisters. We have more fun together then I do with anyone else. There's never a dull moment or one that has to be filled with an awkward exchange. It's just easy. We know each other deeply and love the other anyway.
We are also the perfect picture of birth order rules. I'm the oldest and I've always felt protective and done all I could to set a good example. I remember thinking through things in college and asking myself how I would feel when either of my sisters found out what I'd done or how I'd handled a situation. I always wanted them to be proud of me like I was of them. I longed for them to want to do things because I did them, but that never happened. They grew up great all by themselves without a thought about me. And now as I realize that it makes me feel even more grateful for the two girls who grew up in my house with me.
Cassie is the middle in every sense of the word. She is my polar opposite. Where I hesitate, she jumps! She is full of life and lives so much differently then me. I can't make decisions and need people to reassure me. Not her. She's independent and brave. She can do anything she sets her mind to and she doesn't take crap from people. She is hospitable and fun. Everyone always wants to be around her because she is the life of the party. The 17 month gap that separates our age makes it impossible for me to remember life without her. She has always been with me. As young children I was in charge and did all the bossing. But somewhere around junior high or high school those roles changed and she took the reigns. She holds them well.
Then there's the baby. Our Chelsie. She is the perfect blend of her two older sisters and loved insanely by both of them. She is decisive and smart and tough like Cassie. I see so much of Cassie in Chelsie. They have so many qualities I wish I saw in myself. Chels is particular like me. She and I both have a way of doing things that Cassie totally missed out on. She is smart and beautiful and brave. I'm just so stinkin' proud of the woman she is growing into. I'll always remember the day shortly after my 8th birthday when we welcomed the third of our trio. What sweet memories.
As we grow and life changes around us those two have always been the constants in my life. Whether it's a tough time one of us is dealing with or just a fun day of shopping the troops rally. We are a lot and nothing is off the table. I'm so thankful to have these two people in my life who know me in ways no one else can. I'm thankful to get to walk alongside them through this life and watch as they change their worlds for the better. They are my favorites. What would I do or be without them? I don't dare to think about it.