Candles glowed in the windows. The Christmas tree twinkled with lights. My older sister and I waited expectantly with Grandma as the clock ticked off the minutes. The phone on the kitchen wall rang. Grandma answered it swiftly, listened for a few moments, then announced, “You have a baby sister. Lisa Noel!”
Today is my younger sister Lisa’s birthday. We’ve been through a lot together over the years. Always, she has been a steadfast friend, a beloved sister, and a treasured gift from God.

L to R: Me, Mom with Lisa Noel, & Beth
… That was then … this is now …

Sisters, Sisters! Here I am (with the big, cheesy grin) surrounded by my younger sister (the Noel baby) and my older sister (with Gus-Gus). My 5-year old nephew was the photographer. “Is Gussy looking? Look, Gussy!” he coaxed. Yeh, Gussy couldn’t be bothered.