Dear Sister, 40 is an Accomplishment

38 days until my sister turns 40.

Dear sister,

I don't know if you realize what an accomplishment 40 is. Even more, I don't know if you realize how proud I am of everything you have accomplished in your 40 years.

I am not referring to the typical accomplishments like learning to walk and talk and use the potty which you mastered like a boss. And, while surviving high school and graduating from college are really a big deal, I don't mean that either. I am talking about all of those other MAJOR things that you have done.

For example, you birthed my nephew in record time with NO drugs and you have raised him to be one of the kindest, most loving human beings I have ever known. There is nothing in this world for which I am more grateful. He is the bright spot in my dark days and my inspiration to be better in life on a daily basis. And he came from YOU. You did that sister. You cooked that little sucker up and brought him into the world like I eat cake... quickly and with great ease.


Also, you have worked the same job for 14 years. I would DIE in the same place for 14 years. I haven't done anything for 14 years except drive a car. Even when it wasn't easy, you stuck it out and worked hard and you have achieved career longevity. That is not only admirable but also a testament to strong character.

Did I mention that you run? I used to run because I had coaches screaming at me. Now the only time you would see me running is if someone was chasing me. But you run not only because you enjoy it but also because you are so good at it. 5Ks, half marathons, marathons... You run. And that is amazing.

How about the fact that you are one of the most committed and dedicated people I have ever known. When you believe in something, you plant your feet firmly in it and dedicate your life to it. Whether it is your family, your church, or your God, you give your whole self (within reason) which is an incredible example for those around you.

In addition to that dedication, you love others well. Strangers, friends, and family benefit from the gift of love that you share with everyone you meet.

You have traveled, you have volunteered, you have trained others on their way to creating a better lives for themselves... You will whip up a pan of mostaciolli for any family in need and most of the time a batch of chocolate chip cookies will accompany it. You get up EVERY TIME you fall. And you fall a lot. BUT YOU GET UP.  You eat healthy and take good care of yourself and your family and the zoo you have living in your house.

Sister, you have accomplished so much in life already. Turning 40 is just another thing to add to the list. It is also another chapter in which I am sure that you will add trophies and travels and many more great deeds.

Not long now. Almost happy birthday sister.

Love,

Sister

Dear Sister, 40 is Freedom

In just 39 short days, my little sister will turn FORTY years old! The following is my day 39 blog and my 2nd wish for her birthday.

Dear sister,

In 39 days you will enter a phase of your life that is built for pure enjoyment. From the moment you begin to wear the big 4-0, you are officially free.

It took me 40 years to realize that all the trials and tribulations of life had purpose. I always believed that everything happened for a reason. And I was always fairly certain that it was all connected somehow. But I never fully understood how the exploration of my twenties and the discovery of my thirties would lead to absolute freedom in my forties.

Your 40th birthday will bring with it relief and an unyielding sovereignty. All of that time you spent figuring out who you were as a teenager and a twenty-something go-getter and the years of setting plans in motion toward the fulfillment of every dream you ever dreamed in your thirties will pay off. You will finally be the ruler of your life.

40 is Freedom, sister. No longer concerned with building your life, you can now just LIVE IT!

My wish for you today is that you will embrace the freedom of your forties whole-heartedly and just ENJOY the world you have created without worry or concern.

I love you,

Sister

Dear Sister, 40 is a Time to Dream

Four years ago, I prepared to turn 40 by blogging for 40 days until my birthday. Forty days from today, my little sister will turn 40. So for the next 40 days, I will blog for my sister. I will write everything I want her to know about being 40 and anything else that may come to mind.

I hope you will follow along and get ready to wish Denise a HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY!

Forty is a time to dream.

Dear sister,

My sister Denise and I with my dog in the Badlands of South Dakota.

I never imagined being 40 years old and I certainly never imagined that my little sister would be 40.  But 40 was my favorite year of life to date! 

Some of my earliest memories are actually of dreams I had for my future. I had hoped to grow up, get married, have a house full of kids and build the American dream. As it turns out, all of that was not in the cards for me. However, one of my greatest joys has been watching you build your American dream. I am so thankful that you have been able to experience the thrill of being a wife and mother and that you were able to give our parents a grandchild to cherish. 

Turning 40 brought forth a revelation for me that I want to pass along to you. Dreaming isn't just for children. I realized somewhere on the route to this major milestone that I had been reinventing myself for years and that it was still ok for me to pursue my dreams. I learned not to be discouraged just because the dreams I had as a child may not have come to pass exactly as I thought they would. And I made a decision, roughly 40 days out, that my fortieth year was going to rock. There's a lot to be said for DECIDING to enjoy something before it happens.

So I made a plan for my fortieth year. I decided that I would volunteer once a month. I planned to spend more time having fun and less time worrying. I didn't map out every detail but I plotted it out in my head and began to dream it up in my heart. Indeed, 40 was the happiest year of my life.

Sister, as you embark on your fortieth year, my wish for you is many more years of dreams fulfilled. I hope that you will dare to dream in your fortieth year and that you will watch as your dreams continue to come true. It is never too late to do absolutely anything you want to do. 

I also wish for you a happiness beyond measure. I hope you experience joy in a way you never have.

I love you!

Michele