A big heart.

I’ve always looked up to her. I mean, as a younger sister, it’s hard not to look up to someone older than you, cooler than you and prettier than you. But those aren’t the reasons why I looked up to her. Sure, she’s absolutely beautiful, incredibly fun and one of the wisest women on the planet, but, beyond that, she has the biggest heart. A heart that gives and gives until it hurts. A heart that doesn’t have boundaries. A heart that doesn’t even know the definition of hate, because within her being, there’s only room for love. She is my big sister. My confidant. My role model. And this week, four years ago, she solidified herself as my hero.

I remember sitting in my sister’s living room, the night before her surgery, as she handed my mom an envelope. You see, my sister had been diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks before and had chosen to attempt to remove it. She instructed my mom to give the letter to her children, Nick & Kenzie, should anything happen. Though I had tears in my eyes and the heaviest of hearts, my beautiful sister Cyndy was the opposite. She was as strong as I’d ever seen her. Yes, she was scared but moreso, she was full of faith. She knew that she had prayed enough and given enough and if she put things into God’s hands, all would be well. I never knew what was in the actual envelope but looking back, the words aren’t important. What sticks out in my mind was her selflessness. At her deepest and darkest hours, she was making arrangements for others to feel comforted. And loved.

She survived that day, and lots more since. So today, I wanted to close the week off and dedicate this post to her to let her know she is loved. My dear sister. I’m so inspired by you. By the way you live your life. The way you hold your children. The way you love your husband. The way you love, unconditionally. You don’t wait around for an invitation to love, you just do it, wholeheartedly. I admire your willingness to always give more than you can. You are one of the strongest, most gentle women I know. I’m thankful everyday that you are my sister. My life is a much better place with you here, with me, on earth. I love you Cyn!

Us on my wedding day last year.

Disclaimer: I have another sister, a brother, a mom, a dad, nieces, nephews and friends. I may write about them from time to time. Just saying…