My big sister . . . .

So tomorrow, my big sister has a big birthday, and this is what i have always wanted to say to her, or about her.

I have two sisters, and both of them inspire me every day. I will write a blog for Linzi on her birthday, but today is Debbies day.

What does she mean to me? she means comfort, strength, laughter, safety and unconditional acceptance.

She was 5 years old when i was born, she was dark hair, i was blonde, she was a 'ballet dancer' LOL i was a football player, she was a typical teenager, i was a 'good girl'; she dated a guy that looked like David Bowie, and I had David Bowie plastered all over my bedroom wall; she was in love with David Cassidy i was in love with Pat Jennings (Tottenham football goalie); she was a free spirit, i tried to behave.

When we left for Canada in 1980, Debs was set in her life and decided to stay in England. That was the hardest part of leaving, even though I had not seen a lot of her in the late 1970s, i still loved her deeply. She had travelled the world, had lived in India and was settling down. Saying goodbye to her was so hard, and when i look back at it today, was probably a pivotal turning point in my life. Even though she had a different life than us, was so independent and ready to move forward, i felt a part of me was left behind on English soil.

As we have grown older, and even though we live thousands of miles apart, i know that no matter what she is always there for me. Both my sisters are that way. My mum had a tough time raising us all alone - but she did something right, as the bond we have as sisters can never be broken, even when we are in 2 different countries. She raised 3 girls that work hard, party hard, respect others and care about each other very much.

Debs is beautiful - she is a stunning woman with a beautiful daughter, Hannah Jane, and now a beautiful granddaughter, Scarlett Mae. She lights up a room when she enters it; her laughter is contagious; her sense of humour wicked! The best memories are when us 3 girls tease mum - and the tears are rolling down our face, our sides are aching, we have, on occassion peed our pants laughing so hard. They are the moments that i so cherish! they are so important to me, each time i recall one, I smile. And there is no value you can put on that.

she has her own business, owns a beautiful home in Warwickshire, still has the same friends she had in high school, and travels the world. When she travels the world, she still gives - to the impoverished and the down trodden - she has a huge heart.

So to my big sister Deb - I love you, I miss you, I respect and admire you. I wish every day that you lived closer, so we could giggle over tea - tease mum non stop, and just talk about our day.

I am honoured to be your little sister . . . . . i love you!