50 Reasons

50 years ago today the world was changed forever and for better!



In honor of my big sister's 50th birthday I've listed 50 Reasons (in no particular order) why I love her:

1. Because you have created most of my favorite holiday traditions.


2. Because you wore black jumpsuits with gold zippers and tried to teach me to disco dance in our living room.


3. Because you thought you were Grandmom. I mean...Literally. Thought. You. Were. Grandmom.


4. Because you used to tell us if we had to go to the bathroom we should eat bread and the bread would soak up all the...you know what...and we believed you!





5. Because you made Patti and I go with you to watch Don (or some new guy named Ed) play softball.


6. Because you picked out the outfits for Patti and I to wear...right down to the neckerchiefs...to watch Don (or some new guy named Ed) play softball.


7. Because you were/are such a wonderful advocate for Mom and Dad.


8. Because you thought Las Vegas was a state.


9. Because when you promised Ed you wouldn't tell me and Patti that the two of you had gotten engaged you decided we should have an impromptu game of charades.


10. Because you made us cold strawberry soup.


11. Because you are a fabulous mother.


12. Because of your Harvest Moon Dinners...complete with hand written menus.


13. Because of the way you show your love for all of us every day.


14. Because you come up with great names for things like: "The Dead Lady Sale" and "Nuts and Nuns."


15. Because you are thoughtful and generous with your time and talent.


16. Because you are a loving wife.


17. Because you thought the jockeys for greyhound races must be very, very small.


18. Because I'm still in therapy after your little "episode" on the Appalachian Trail.


19. Because you are a wonderful sister.


20. Because you tell the punch line of a joke before you tell the joke.


21. Because you always answer my "tough" cooking questions.


22. Because you handle your various health challenges and dietary restrictions with such grace.


23. Because some nights when I can't fall asleep I can still hear "The Best of Bread" playing in my memory.


24. Because I have always and will always look up to you.


25. Because you are an awesome Aunt Baba.


26. Because when we were in China and our basement flooded you handled everything (insurance adjusters, carpet replacement, etc.) so thoroughly we never would have known it happened if you hadn't told us.


27. Because you were the first person I had ever heard call Ocean City - OC. I thought you were so cool.


28. Because you love the craziest dog in Catonsville.


29. Because you always put your family first.


30. Because you wore a green sequined gown the first time you met Tony.


31. Because you dressed up like an elf for our neighborhood Santa...and somehow made it look cool.





32. Because you armed us with hair brushes and nail files when you were babysitting and thought someone was breaking in.


33. Because you let me spend the night in your dorm room even though we both know that wasn't such a great idea.


34. Because your home is always such a warm and welcoming place.


35. Because you are a loyal friend.


36. Because when Mom was dying you moved all the medical equipment/monitors out of the way so we all could be right next to her.


37. Because you live your faith.


38. Because you always come up with fun specialty drinks for family vacation...and even provide surf side delivery!


39. Because you will drive all over town looking for just the right thing to complete one of your beautiful craft projects.


40. Because you have always encouraged me in anything I wanted to do.


41. Because you were always so poised and self-contained coming off the school bus.


42. Because you are our very own "Ask A Nurse."


43. Because your door is always open...literally.


44. Because even though I'm sure you would have rather had Debbie...you asked me to be your Maid Of Honor.


45. Because if I ever need a spare wreath, vase, bolt of ribbon, frame, yard of fabric, candle stick, basket, or whatever I never need to look further than your attic.


46. Because you like "Tony's tiny little hands."


47. Because you order a hot tea, an orange juice, and a glass of water all at the same time when we go out to breakfast. Good to know I'm not the only one with a "drinking problem."


48. Because you are the thrift store queen, but somehow you and your home always look like a million bucks.


49. Because you used to bring your work home with you...literally. I have vivid memories of Little People (aka dwarves) sitting at the picnic table on telephone books eating steamed crabs at Mom and Dad's.


50. Because you are the best big sister a girl could ever have!

Happy Birthday, Bethie! I love you!!!