Very Late Post For My Sister's Birthday

When we were younger, me and my sister Nonet fought like cats and dogs. Petty things that are usually resolved by some candies. We were young and wild and free and never wrong. But as the years went by, the hostility disappeared and we became close. We were less than a year apart and we grew up thinking that we might be the only children my parents will ever have because it took them 8 years to have another one and another 8 years to have our bunso. Talk about family planning huh!

We grew up donning the same hairdo, the same dress and shoes, and the same set of toys. We went to the same school from kinder to college. We almost have the same set of friends outside school. We both have simple dreams, we both believe in hard work and we both have that capacity to love like crazy and cool. But despite the fact that we've had almost the same childhood, we have grown into different people with different career paths. One with more numbers, the other with more words.

She is serious and kind, I am comedy all the way but kind nonetheless. She has a stronger faith than I can muster but faith I will never lack of. She's the genius in the family, I am the next one after genius (If there is such a thing). She is a stickler for perfection, I am not, I admit. She seldom makes mistakes, I seldom do too. (I got you there!) But no matter how we have become different in ways and attitudes, we have always been the best of friends, that no matter how far we've gone figuratively and literally, we will always be there for each other. That no matter where we are, we know that we are not alone.

My sister now lives in Canada, thousand miles apart or 7,410 miles away from Manila to be exact. She travelled halfway across the world to start a new life in a foreign country while I still travel to experience the world. Distant in miles but nearer in thoughts.

As you celebrate your birthday in a foreign country, I just hope that despite being alone on this special day, please always remember how much we love you and how we always pray for your health, safety and success. We may not be there but you are always in our thoughts so much that we always have a special place for you whenever we celebrate special occasions in the family. It takes a lot of courage to be where you are and to pursue that dream of yours and we are always here to support you no matter what. Take care always and continue to bring your own sunshine wherever you go. Stay positive and enjoy this day that the Lord has made for you. Happy happy birthday Nonet! We miss you! We love you so much!