I was recently asked by someone if I had a sister. I was happy to tell them that I did. She lives far away from me, and I don’t see her and her family as often as I’d like, but we manage to talk on the phone and email back and forth. Today, I’d like to share three little things about my wonderful sister, Melanie.

1. My sister is very talented. She plays the piano, sings, knits, crochets, bakes, makes cards and, well, the list is basically endless.

2. My sister loves the unlovable, namely, me. I wasn’t very nice to her when I was little, but she endured me happily. To a lost girl, there was nothing more irritating than hearing “I love you anyway” after I had screamed “I hate you!” I’m thankful that she has forgiven me for all of that and is even one of my closest friends today. She is always ready and willing to help those around her who have a need.

3. My sister is quiet, happy to be in the background. I guess she could be pretty bitter after spending her life with a loud mouth like me, but she isn’t. To this day, I often blurt out my opinions, barely stopping to take a breath much less hear her side of things. Somehow, she looks past it all and still wants to pick up the phone when she sees my name on her caller ID. She is content to be a sounding board.

I’m grateful to have a loving sister who cares about me and prays for me. If I have grown at all in the Lord, I’m sure it is due in some part to my sister’s patience and prayers. I love you, Melanie!