Happy Birthday, Mary Beth!

Last, but certainly not least. Mary Elizabeth, seemingly unassuming and often quiet, is a powerhouse. No more the Mary who couldn't choose an item on the menu for lack of decisiveness. No more the kid sister who would quietly make a joke that went unnoticed until someone repeated it and everyone laughed. She's all grown up, a new lawyer, the mother of two boys, a new wife. I used to feel, when we were together, that I was the tough one, the one who led the way. No more. In the last few years I've trailed along, amazed with her assertiveness and strength. She accomplishes a million tasks a day, never seems to tire until she falls asleep suddenly, almost mid-sentence. But you know what? Paradoxedly (pardoxically? paradoxilly? Whatever.), she's still my little sister that I love and want to protect - sensitive, sweet, funny, loyal. Mary is my sister and the one friend who totally understands. Everything.