ode to sam.

I remember July 3, 1990 sitting on the edge of mom's hospital bed holding you for the first time, hoping that one day we'd be friends.

I remember our walks to down Odin to the bus stop talking about fish and our recent adventures and games.

I remember hating that my favorites were always your favorites even when I lied and said my favorite color was pink.

I remember all our fishing trips and even though I would always catch more than you, you still wanted to go with me; and how your would always be willing to take the fish off the hook and promised me the fish didn't actually die even though it'd float when you threw it back into the water.

I remember that sunny September morning when mom and dad sat us down on my bed to tell us that Aaron had gone to be with the Lord and feeling you small hand grab mine; I knew it'd been okay.

I remember those Sunday afternoon hap hours that we spent creating messages by knocking on the walls or sneaking to each others room.

I remember how all our fights ended in laughter and creating constellations out of the knots in the wood as we stood there with our noses on the wall.

I remember our 5 hr. long games of monopoly and how I'd always win. One day you will learn that I don't go broke because I have a stash of $500's that I refill after every game.

And I will always remember you standing at the end of the lane cheering me on as I swam the mile. Whenever I'm discouraged I picture you there reminding that I've done it before and can do it again.

I have done my best to be the best role model that I could for you. From the moment I first met you I knew that you would look like me, I knew that we'd be friends, I knew that you'd be a good person, I knew that you'd do great things; but I never knew that you would be the one I would look up to. I am as proud to be your sister today as I was the first day I met you.

*my addressing speech for sam's retiring address.