My Loving Sister …

She’s my little sister. “Chrost” is our loving nickname for her. She was born five years behind me. She’ll never be as old as me … but she’ll always be very special to me.

Seventy … 70 great years with Christine. Fun times, some challenging ones too. But above all, we love each other … a lot. If not always expressed outwardly. She can get pissed off easily. But gets over it quickly. Her long tenure, successful career with Arco/Lyondell?  Just one indicator of how committed, capable, and caring she is. Brother Tuck and I played a lot together. But seemed to always leave our little sister out of our kid games. In those days she spent some of her time being chased by … “Hi Chrishtine! (hic!)” … Steve Voorhees! Her old friend on Beechtree La.

And then came that game at Conestoga High. Girls basketball. Christine was a starter for the home team. She was quick. So determined. She rebounded like Lebron, was the leading scorer. Led her team to a big win. Simply played her best game ever. Tuck, Dad and I were there. We saw every minute. Every great play.Although not a surprise, her teammates were a little curious. What got into Christine? She always played hard. But today? Even harder.

“My brothers and my father were here today,” she said. First time, really, that all three of them gave me their attention at the same time. I played today for them. To show ‘em. And I showed ‘em.”She played that day just as she’s been all her life. Determined, dedicated, loyal. Get something done? Give it to Christine and forget about it. It’ll get done. Want someone to be there for you? She’s there. Always. You just get a little extra … every time she does something for you?

Of course. She shows her love for her brothers … her many great friends. Mostly … by doing it all. She just keeps doing things for others. Doing things for others. How can you beat that.I remember all the cards and phone calls. You do too. She always remembers. Treats me like royalty when I visit her. Everything!

I remember how capably, lovingly she cared for our mother in her later years. I was in Atlanta. “Chrost” and “T” shouldered all the burden. All so well done. Now Chrost has her baby, Sir Calloway to care for. So devored to him. Doubt this? Just check the 300 Facebook posts featuring her “precious.”It’s easy to kid and bug her. She’s gullible. Just makes her more fun.

Tuck and I weren’t always kind. “Bratty brat brat da bratty brat brat, da bratty brat” was a constant dig that annoyed her to death. Still does! But then I guess that’s what brothers do. Grew up with her mother who struggled with a serious drinking problem. A father who was little distant from her. But lovingly he called her “Peachcake.” It was hard. But she worked it all out. Rose above it. Typical her. Look what a great person she is today!

Seventy years later … we … all of us will never have a better friend. Or a more wonderful sister. So my dear Christine? We all love you so. I love you so.

Happy Birthday

Love “B”