"The One Sister I've Got!"

     Life is a much more simple when you have family standing behind you. Decisions become easier, stressful nights become relaxed, and a mere phone call can solve the frown you adopted after that email about your failing exam grade. When you have family, you never feel alone.

     My birthday last week reminded me of how family can be miles away, but yet make you feel like they are right next door. This birthday was hands down, the worst birthday of my 19-year span (here comes the part where you jump on the pity-me train). I could not celebrate because homework and waitressing piled up to the extreme. I got about two phone calls and upcoming tests circled my brain mocking me with each minute that my birthday clock ticked.

     And then I went on Facebook. Of course I had ridiculous amounts of “happy bday” wall posts. But only one made my finger stop scrolling. My sister loves to create witty poems. I guess you could say it’s her “thing.” Where the time and ideas steam from when she types these poems is beyond me. The following poem written by Jessica Daley reminds me how much rhetorical expression can influence others:

Rose r red, violets r blue, it's Molly's 19th birthday but what can we do?

Not yet legal, can't take her to bars.

Can't take her bowling ‘cause she live too far. 

I would buy her some clothes to cover her breast

But we all know brains just aren't what's her best.

I'd give her some money for books, bills and food

But let's face it she's My sister, she'll spend it in booze. 

Still so young at 19, the one sister I've got!

Can still remember the first time she Shit in a pot!!!

And the pictures we took of that lil turd!

But now that she's grown out into the world

I give her my hand, my heart and advice.

Follow your path. Don't ever think twice. 

Don’t get arrested (unless it was fun)

Don't get yourself pregnant until he's the One. 

Save money in banks, get your own gay named Frank and when you go

Date a Thomas ‘cause we have enough Joes. 

And when things get too hard that you can't comprehend

I'll make up an answer that comfort may lend. 

I love you Miss Molly. Happy 19th so far. 

It's time for you to go and break open your own star.

     Of course it’s not professional and vulgar at times, but this poem was the highlight of my disastrous birthday. I did not receive any expensive presents or cards that day, just a couple phone calls and this wall post from my older sister.  It did not need to be chock full of sappy emotional lines. The humor and one sentence stating, “and when things get too hard that you can’t comprehend, I’ll make up an answer that comfort may lend.” Knowing that despite her busy and overwhelming life, she took the time and effort to create this poem is more than enough for me. A couple years ago I would have complained about being gift less on my birthday. Now, gifts are irrelevant. The thought triumphs all.