Big Sis' Birthday

May 12, 2010

Today is my sister's birthday. The passage of time has flown by so quickly that it seems like it was just months ago that she sat with me coloring with crayons in a coloring book. Oh wait that was merely 3 months ago in Sunrise Unit visitation we did that! LOL! Nonetheless, my sister was there for me as a kid and we survived it. Many of times I, the doting little brother, wanted to show my big sis my love and appreciation for all she did for me. Sadly, I showed it in bad ways, which at the time seemed ok.

It was my sister's 17th birthday. I was 14 going on 20. Her and I were at a Target store near our mom's home just looking around, trying things on and admiring. My sister's favorite past-time at that time.

"Look Shannon, do you think these earrings look good on me?" "Shannon, this fingernail polish looks good on me." "I wish I had this glue gun," she said to me innocently showing me the things in the store as we wandered. We had no money, but it was her wish list.

Walking across the parking lot on the way out, I told my sister, "Happy Birthday!", then proceeded to give her the earrings, polish and yes, the glue gun.

"Shannon, what did you do?" she asked me, truly concerned. "I got you stuff for your birthday," I replied, now worried she was mad at me. "Thanks," she told me, hugging me and quickly ushering me away from the store.

I knew it was wrong to steal, but wanted her to have these things. I wanted to make her happy. To give her presents for her birthday. They were her only presents that year. Was I a bad kid? Was it wrong of me? Maybe. But she didn't go without a gift that year. I love my sister. Happy Birthday, Big Sis! No more stealing. I promise.