So I got to see my sister Lisa with all of the Thanksgiving festivities going on. I was so happy that my entire family was able to get together this year. We had such a wonderful time. Lisa and I have a special bond and I am convinced we were in the womb together.....I just popped out a year and a half earlier than she did. Growing up I wasn't really able to appreciate our relationship much. I used to tell her to go away because she followed me everywhere, and to leave me alone at times. Man, I was a mean kid. I just got annoyed that she wanted to be my sidekick 24/7. We made up skits and performed them for each other in the rock garden behind our home in Japan. We rode the bus to kindergarten together and took ballet classes at Matsumoto Sensei's ballet studio. I think one of our favorite things to do now is to watch our ballet recital when I was five and she was only three. We are both giggling on stage and while I tried to remain serious as always, she was flopping around carefree.....so cute and still brings us to tears. Anyway, Lisa and I continued ballet together at Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle for many years. I was so proud of her when she got to perform the main part of Clara in the Nutcracker....while I got to do Chinese for four years! I have fond memories of summer dance programs at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, with Lisa and my best friend Lexie. So many inside jokes were created those summers. And all of the early mornings getting ready for seminary before school....Lisa would sit there all sleepy eyed and watch me get ready. I would tell her to quit staring at me but I don't think she really knew what she was doing. Too tired and too early. Anyway, I am so fortunate to have a sister who still wants to be my sidekick 24/7. Although we live in different states now, I hope we will soon be able to reside close to one another. I want to be Auntie Lani and take care of little Lisas and Jeffs. Hint hint. I am so proud of Lisa and all of her accomplishments in social work, dance, counseling, church.....now I find myself being more of the tag along I think. I love you Lisa : )
