Big Sister Lynn

 My big sister Lynn is something. 

As babies, she fed us, bathed us, wiped and diapered our butts, essentially raising 3 kids prior to her own.  

By virtue of her being a decade older, she was conscripted into service. She didn’t deserve all the extra baggage that came along with that, not the least of which included duties as a ‘built-in’ babysitter, a chauffeur-dropping us off at our grandparents house before she could go out on a date or with friends, and on more occasions than I can recall, taking us along everywhere she went—to the pool, lake, clothes or grocery shopping, or any number of tasks that my parents had her accomplish. 

In short, she was exploited at every opportunity and as far as I know, she never complained. It was as natural to her as breathing and she took to it like a duck to water. Back in those days she would, if necessary, chase you down until you were exhausted from running away, tackle you to the ground and then pop your backside to make you behave; a masters class of persistence and efficiency.

She eventually left us and got married, then raised 3 kids of her own. They all turned out fine. 

So did I, and big sister Lynn’s a big part of why. 

She is a wonderful sister, Mother and Grandmother. She’s always been there for us as much (sometimes more) than our parents. 

She has been the owner and caregiver of at least eleventy hundred dogs. Lord have mercy, she loves them dogs. If a dog goes missing in California she will post it on her social media just in case. 

We are much better human beings because of Lynn. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, big sister. We are grateful for you. Love you.

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