Happy Birthday dear Alicia! Happy Birthday to my best friend (next to Eir and Care). I can't believe you are 31! Look out depends! hahahahaha. In all seriousness, you are the greatest sister in the world (next to Eir and Care). What would this day be without a walk down memory lane....where should we begin? How about the day I saved your life, when you fell into the sewer! That was so scary. I still don't think mom believes us. Remember all the fun on North Ohio when we would go to Jessica's grandma's house and sit on the chicken coop. You would follow me everywhere! Remember playing bar on the Fitzek's deck? You and Jeffery G. sucking thumbs in his basement! Mom always dressing us the same way...even our hair in long braids and matching ribbons? Everyone always said we looked so pretty with our long hair...why did we hate it? Then we got the Dorothy Hamil! That was awful......long hair didn't seem so bad after that! You always looked so pretty with your sweet dimples and Shirley Temple curls a girlie girl! We were definitely opposites. My tom boy ways loving sports and you the queen of cheer leading, hair fixing and nails. I loved cuddling you and then scarring you by saying,"Jabba the Hut!" You would cry and I would always say I'm sorry and we go right back to cuddling! I must say I would just about give my left leg to have you follow me everywhere today! Our friendship has blossomed so much over the passed 11 years. I loved when Doug and I first got married that you and Isaiah would come over every weekend! You even drove in many snow storms. I will never forget the day you told me you were moving to Virginia. I felt like someone punched me in the gut. I knew that was your desire and that it was God's plan for your life, but I wanted you here with me. The growth I saw in you and Isaiah that first year was so encouraging. Uncle Buzz and Aunt Cathy were so gracious to let you live with them, how awesome to be under their care! I know they taught you so much. I remember how our family and friends would take care of Isaiah while you were at work, and then Marie taking over. I knew then that God had you right where he wanted you. I am so thankful for Sovereign Grace and the love they showed and continue to show you. I am thankful for J. taking care of you and Zai...you are blessed! It is so neat to see God's hand on your life and his faithfulness to you. Thank you for praying with me all the time and always helping me to see my sin even when I don't want to! Thank you for wisdom, love and just having a listening ear. Thank you for reminding me I need to have patience and for all your child rearing tips! I am so thankful for this day, December 14th, because God blessed me with you for a sister! I love you so much and wish we could be together today! I will be having a cup of coffee at about 6:00 am and if you could have one with me that would be ideal!!!!!!!!!! If you left now you could be here by 2:00. OK, OK, time for my famous last words. We are going to have so many cups of coffee in heaven...cause "we'll be neighbors there!" I look forward to the day when we won't live thousands of miles away. I love you Lil, my dear friend and sister and I hope your birthday is Smashing!
