Jennifro

Baby Sister

Jayne, my youngest sister, is having her first baby today.  For some reason, this gets me all kinds of emotional. I guess, in a way, it's cause it really proves that she's all grown up.  I can't describe the love I have for this girl. For the first ten years of living in Maryland, Jayne and Mitch spent the summers with me.  I think she was ten when she first came out, making Mitch probably eight.  I literally watched them grow up under my own roof and have always considered that to be one of the best gifts I've ever been given.

When I think of Jayne, this is still what comes to my mind...  Jayne in camp clothes, rock climbing, scrubbing down in some river, or hopping into a van for a trip--taking nothing but the clothes on her back.  She was Nick's rock climbing assistant for years and is tough as anything. Nobody cleans up nicer than Jayne--but nobody can be grubbier either!  She was a complete and total joy to have around those years.  She's quick with her smile and has a personality and wit that kills.  I will always miss our summers together and consider them a highlight of my life.

Seeing these two grow up has been bittersweet for sure.  Even as I write this, I feel a twinge of sadness.  I am so proud of them both and feel like I had a hand in raising them--which makes me happy. Jill used to call them "the old married couple" cause they had to share a room at my house and they'd bicker like they'd been together for fifty years...but usually went to bed made up and fairly happy (right Mitch?). The close relationships I share with them now is something I treasure dearly and consider to be pretty amazing, when you look at our age differences.

I am thrilled for Jayne and Jon and all my prayers today, go out to them and their (soon to be) baby girl.  I love you little sister.  Thanks for making my life that much richer.