Happy Birthday Michelle!

My sister Michelle is an amazing woman. She is a loving wife, the adoring mother of five children and one of the strongest women I know. Morning and night, day after day, she feeds, nurtures, educates, deeply loves, entertains, and protects five little souls (not to mention a husband, two dogs and countless other children through her job). She rarely complains, is always quick to be there for her family and give them endless support and love. She has always been my best friend, no matter our age or differences otherwise. She was the one I looked up to growing up (and so did a lot of my friends. I recall so many times during slumber parties or afterschool play that my friends would excitedly ask, "Is your sister here?"). As we grew older, I'd visit her in California and inevitably when we'd head out, strangers (mainly smitten men) would stop to talk to her or smile or wave. And many guy friends of mine have stopped cold when they see her picture and say, "Your sister is hot!" ;-) Anyone who has met her and her children see how beautiful she is and how she passed this along to her gorgeous children. But it isn't just her beauty that makes her special. She is a kind spirit, creative and artistic, fun, smart, strong, stubborn and protective. She has been able to overcome things I doubt some others could. She has a great sense of humor. She's the kind of sister and mother that would defend you to the bitter end...Stand up for you despite all odds and fiercely support you no matter what. She turned 40 yesterday and I wish I could have been with her to celebrate!