My Little Sister Had a Birthday

My little sister Martha had a birthday on Friday. She has now reached the summit of Mt. Half Century...

Let me tell you about my dearest and best friend Martha....

Have you ever known someone who lights up the room the minute they enter it and who brings life to any gathering? That is Martha.

Have you ever known someone who takes the bull by the horns and gets things done, is a "mover and a shaker", who plans, makes lists, and executes, someone you can count on..depend on.. know they will follow through (like helps you plan your daughter's wedding, actually, she is the one who really made it happen)? That is Martha.

Have you known anybody where they meet you at 6:30 am several times a week to exercise, who supports your efforts to keep the girth from growing? That is Martha.

Have you ever had a friend who is your confidant, one with whom you commiserate, you discuss and plan with and never run out of things to discuss and plan? That is Martha.

Have you ever known someone who is constantly thinking of, helping and taking care of others?

That is Martha.

Have you ever known somebody that enjoys thrift shopping or collecting vintage items at estate sales, who knows what YOU like and will pick up little treasures at the aforementioned estate sales when you aren't with her? That is Martha.

Have you ever known somebody with a unique style (mid century modern), has an eye for cool things, can pick the prize out of the pile of junk, who displays it in such artistic ways, who loves owls, anything aluminum, gardens and plants, who knows the latest and hippest places to go and see, and who loves Madmen and Jane Austen films? That is Martha.

Have you known somebody who works hard at their job and is loved by her coworkers, who had two birthday celebrations thrown by those coworkers, (one where over 50 attended), who "runs" all day, takes the stairs (never the elevator) and who rarely takes a lunch? That is Martha.

Have you known someone with incredible inner strength, who has raised her two wonderful kids by herself after the untimely passing of her beloved Jeff, who forges on in spite of difficult challenges. That is Martha.

Have you known someone with integrity, compassion, and a fabulous laugh, likes dancing and having fun, is adventurous and hasn't stopped moving since the day she was born? Martha is all that and more.

I love you Martha...Happy Birthday.

Some more pics (many picked from your Flickr site, thanks)....

The two cabooses in our family, Martha and Gwen:

A newlywed Martha about 25 years ago.

Don't you just love the matching aprons Martha and Gayle are wearing?

Martha and Emma:

Martha snuggling her quilt made by Gayle:

Dan and Emma:

Martha, welcome to the backside of the mountain--it's downhill all the way!