Happy birthday to my diamond of a sister :)

Having been away from home for over 3 months now, I've been pondering a lot about friendship and what a wonderful thing it is. And then I came to think about my 4 siblings and how blessed I am to be sharing unique bonds with each one. Most of the time too, I would think of my youngest sister Golda, and what a great friend she is. 

Looking very pretty. =D

It was not always fairytales and butterflies with her, mind you. Growing up, we've had our squabbles (lots of them), called each other nasty names and didn't talk to each other for days on end. But we got past all those (as I'm sure we'll get past all the fights we'll have in the future) and it's all because of the deep affection that we have developed for each other ever since we were kids. We shared a room as little girls and I remember having spent countless nights just laying in bed and laughing so hard at funny stories - tears rolling down our cheeks and tummies aching. This we still do to this day, and it is still as fun.  On rainy afternoons, we wrote songs (remember Graduation?) and in our make-believe world, we were supermodels or professional doctors, lawyers, teachers or even priests. 

Inspired during that time when the both of us were having dark eyebag problems. :)

As grown ups, we've developed different tastes on some things but it doesn't matter. She's one of my deepest friends (or maybe even the best) - been there for me through thick and thin, during my highs and lows. She's probably the one person who knows my deepest, darkest secrets. She's very smart, eloquent and a really deep thinker. She is not afraid to speak her mind and she challenges my beliefs and opinions. But she's not only book smart. She's funny and quirky and can make anyone laugh (most especially our father) with her most random remarks. She's a real sweetheart too - watches movies with me even if she has to see it twice, accompanies me when I have no one, and just plain listens when I need ears. The thing is, we could spend moments in total silence and still be totally comfortable. She is also very real and brutally honest - tells me when I look pretty, when I look like crap, when it's time to lose weight, or when I am being overtly stupid. 

2010 New Year's eve in Vigan :)

It is true that there is no greater gift in the world than that of a sister. The greatest, if you get along well with each other. I am blessed to have 3 in my life, whom I love ever so dearly. I share a unique relationship with each one but it is with our youngest that I've always had that LOVE-HATE relationship that even I could never ever fathom. 

In just a few hours, my sister will be celebrating her 24th birthday - so Happy, happy birthday Golda!!! I cannot thank the Lord enough for giving me a great sister like you. I love you so much and you know very well that I wish all the best for you!

If it's true what they say that diamonds are forever and that diamonds are a girl's best friend, then I am really lucky to have been given one. Looking forward to more of our love-hate-love moments! :)