Birthday Wishes

Dear Ate,

It's your birthday today. You got my hopes up by saying you wanted to come back to Australia for your birthday. In my deluded mind, I interpreted it as you are coming back to Australia for your birthday. So much for that . . .

Anyway. You are 23 . Wow . Now, I'm not making fun of you or your age but seriously, you are almost 24. The age you were planning to get married. Again I am not teasing you or anything but seriously, time has a way of changing things. Ok enough with the depressing thoughts. This is your makeshift birthday card after all:)

Alright, dearest sister of mine (oh gosh I forgot about sister the second :O). Redo: Dearest not-here sister of mine, Happy 23rd birthday :) You know, you have accomplished so much in your life at such a young age. Your success and happiness is well deserved. Ever since I can remember, you have not only been a sister. And I know that sounds cliched but seriously, you never were what people would call a "normal" sister.

Sure there's the fact that you break out into random song and dance (which, I must say I have also inherited after years of withdrawal...), the way you were so amazed by easy off bam, your abnormal obsession with your car and the way, sometimes, YOU'RE the baby sister and i'm the one looking after you. That bit isn't even why i'd say you were different (although it would make a hell of a lot of sense:P).

No, the things that make you so much more than a sister is because the relationship we have isnt one that is common. Yeah, you get the occasional close sisterly bonding thing going on. But with you and Kathleeny, it's not only there when we're in the mood for fun and games. You have been the best Ate that I've heard of. Not only are you fun to be with, but you are a caring, generous person. No matter what, you have always been prepared to sacrifice your comfort, happiness and general well being to please your family.

Yeah, we have fought like every pair of females driven by hormones confined to live under the same roof do, but I want you to know that I have cherished every moment I have spent with you. Your charisma, confidence and contagious happiness can be seen in the way you smile, the way you talk and even the way you hold yourself. You are a really loving, family based girl who deserves every single blessing you get.

To be completely honest, your success and talent makes me want to strive for a better future because I know that you have always had faith in me and the first thing I was taught, was taught by you. You have had such a great impact on my life and I hope you know that every noteworthy academic achievement I receive, it has always been you I've wanted to please. You know, from your 21st birthday, that I have always tried to seek praise from you, hoping that it means I am finally becoming as good as you. I compare myself to you, trying to see wher I can improve and what else it takes to be a good person.

I think we both finally realised how much you meant to me when you had to leave. I really don't thin kit's necessary to elaborate but I just wanted to tel lyou, that even thought its been 4 months and 13days, I have not missed you any less. Gotten used to it maybe but definitely not more content with your absence. It's all for your benefit though so I hope that you everything you hoped this change would bring happens and that everything turns out for the best because you really really deserve it. God bless Ate, Love you sooo much. Never ever change because you are absolutely perfect the way you are

Yours Truly,
Kyleen