Her Birthday Cards

 I find it interesting yet meaningful that when I read my dear sister's birthday card and opened up her gifts, it was in a loud and busy environment. It's something that wasn't too surprising for me as it brought back some memories of that hectic environment when I used to work there (same chain restaurant, different location.) 

It was meaningful because her presence and gifts are always so special and meaningful to me; her words capturing our sisterly love and deep relationship always makes me misty-eyed. The environment put me right back into my old workplace that I had only worked in for a few weeks over 10 summers ago. The well-known fast-food restaurant that is always noisy, chaotic and popular wasn't a good fit for me then, yet simply being back was special as well as for my other sweet sister who was visiting from out of town.

What's interesting is that time seemed to stop, despite the clamorous surrounding environment as I read my dear sister's beautiful, loving, affirming and comforting words. Tears quite easily streamed down my eyes and face, not out of sadness but of sheer joy, appreciation and gratitude. She always picks out the sweetest cards, thoughtful and lovely, speaking to the core of who you are and how she relates and knows you.

I have kept up the birthday card she wrote and gave me last year. 33 was such a precious and special year, our quick time together over muffins, pastry and coffee (in Petaluma on the way to meet up with out other sister), so she could gift me her birthday gifts. And this year, I have also put up her lovely birthday card- one speaking of elegance and prettiness of a three-tiered pink birthday cake wrapped in flower decor with elegant cursive 'sister' written above. Sister, a word that we have commonly used in other languages we've been studying- hermana, jie, schwester, cectpa, soeur. 

With all the commotion going on around us at the fast-food restaurant, there was simplicity and a sense of calmness and silence as I read her descriptive and gracious words and opened up her generous gifts. Something so ordinary, like eating at a fast-food chain I had used to work at, yet so meaningful and profound. 

We were embracing our soul sisterhood friendship, celebrating another year of life for me, and visiting and remembering close to our hearts her dear son who had passed way 6 years prior.

 It was nothing short of a gift.