Brandy

[I've waited and waited for the perfect time to post this. But, sometimes "perfect" never comes along. So, here it is; because I need to make sure you know, Bran.  I love you -Al]

On this blog, I've told you about my dad, my mom - I've even given a shout-out to the babysitter.  So, it's time I tell you about my sister.  My Brandy.

Brandy and Shawn are my best friends.  They keep me in check, they keep me grounded, they keep me sane - they are my even keel.  (There's a little part of me that wonders if the two of them call each other at the end of the day to discuss what area of my mental health they need to work on reigning in next...)

Brandy is my sounding board.  When I must say something, or burst, it's Brandy that I call.  She's not scared to call me out if I'm being unreasonable, either.  But, most days, she just let's me get it off my chest and feel better.  She's calm.  She's sane.  She's smart.  She's kind.  She's a fabulous mother.  And she's got a great sense of humor.

But, mostly, there is no other person in this world who comes from exactly the same place as I; who learned the same lessons growing up, endured the same pains, enjoyed the same experiences, came to believe the same beliefs.  And has the exact same family members I do (right down to the "steps" and "halfs").

Since the day I was born, she's been my best friend.  She's the big sister whose bed I used to sneak into at night.  She's the one I clung to in the bathroom the day our parents got divorced.  She's the one from whom I borrowed (or snuck) clothes.  She's the one who told me in college to just have fun and "see where things went" with my best buddy, Shawn.  She was my matron of honor.  She's the one who taught me that my babies must be on a schedule (a lesson for which I will be eternally grateful).  She's one of my greatest champions.  She's also the one who tells me to stop being a bitch.

I grew up wanting to be Brandy. She was always so popular and she had a glorious mane of hair - that I just never could quite achieve. I've grown up now (at least that's what I tell people) and I try to be the best version of my own person.  But, I can't think of a much better compliment than for someone to tell me that I remind them of Brandy.  She's one of my heroes.

You didn't really think you'd get such a nice post without this, did you, Bran?

THE HAIR

Senior Year in High School

1989 - 1990

"I smile because you're my sister.  I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it."