i heart duke

My sister thinks she's two days older than me.

Even when I try to explain that just because her birthday is two days before mine, I was born 8 years before her. But I don't try very hard. Sometimes I even have to admit she acts older than me. Like the time I spent four hours cleaning our room and she walked in and patted the top of my head. "Good job, Lissey." She said, "But I know you're just trying to impress me." Then she put her hands on her hips and walked out of the room. She was 5. I think her spirit is much older and wiser... and bossier than mine so I can't help but respect my short sibling. After all, 8 earth years is nothing compared to eternity.

Living away from home tugs at your heart strings. Especially around the holidays when you can't spend them with your family. I realize how much love we share and how blessed we are to be so close. Even the little ball of fire that is my sister. I miss her drama and her scowls and her gappped - tooth smile and feeling her warm little body pull back the covers to get in bed with me at night. I know she looks up to me and it brings so much pressure to be an example to her, but also the right to be proud when I hear she's following my own quirky ways.Audra is the kindof girl that thinks the world is her responsibility. If grandma is sick, only Audra can make her feel better. If there are cookies to be made, the won't taste good unless Audra had a part in making them. If someone is feeling left out, Audra is their best friend.When she was four we were invited to our neighbor's spanish baptism. There was money and food and drinks and dancing. Audra realized we had a communication issue with the people down the road so she took it upon herself to talk to everyone there in Spanish. Our new friends from Mexico might as well have thought she was speaking English because they didn't understand anyway, but it bothered her that they wouldn't talk back. "Maybe they don't even understand Spanish, Mom." She said afterwards, "I was speakin it to them."

Even though she is growing up, I'm beginning to realize she is one of the few people that stays innocent and trusting the older they get. She is feisty and manipulative and knows all the good places to hide when it comes time to clean or shuck the corn. But I want my sister to always keep the confidence that makes her so happy. She is strong and beautiful. I can't wait to know her as an adult. Perhaps by then I can be the one teaching her a thing or two.

I love you, Audra Coulson.