A Birthday Wish

Today is a very special day for a very special person in my life. This sounds as though I am referring to my significant other, but actually this is a special dedication to my big sister. Not biological, of course, but she has earned that title just because. I read a quote yesterday that stated, “God created us to be sisters, but our hearts made us friends.”  I guess, in a weird sort of way, that is what happened.

Growing older

Today is the day she celebrates one more year. This is where the one turning older says how she is actually growing old, how (look left, then right then whisper) she is pushing 30 and all those other rumblings about age.  I say this with a light touch ‘cause even I am in that state of saying that I cannot believe how old I am getting. I can just imagine her over a mirror and pointing at non-existent wrinkles and still insisting she is growing old. Looking at photos taken way and I do mean waaaaay back and asking, “Whatever happened to this innocent young girl from before?” would bring in a flood of memories, both good and bad, but still Kodak moments nonetheless.

Appreciation

All in all, one year older, is one year wiser. This is when you get to make resolutions you can actually keep. (Yes, we all know that one person who makes resolutions only to break them by February. We aren’t pointing fingers, though.) A birth day is a time when you can be selfish and not be blamed or patronized for it. That is when you get your way without having to throw a tantrum or using puppy dog eyes, just because everyone else is falling over themselves (sometimes literally) to make sure your day goes smoothly and you are happy. This particular lady’s birthstone is one precious gem called an emerald. That in itself tells you that when ‘The Villagers Band’ sang the Kenchic song, they had her in mind:

Siendi Kenchic, pengine Java

Hayo ndiyo maneno aliyotamka

That is not to mean she is conceited, it is just to say that if you need to make a long lasting impression, do not take her to a place where there is 

‘kuku porno’ 

ama extremely high stools high stools that one finds so hard to sit on and balance. 

A beautiful lady she is, so much so, that even members of the same gender have ever tried making passes at her. Which comes as no surprise when one gentleman who had the opportunity to meet her acquaintance, lost his composure and was just a bundle of raw nerves making a complete and utter fool of himself, therefore striking him of the eligible bachelors list ever effortlessly. If they were walking, this would have probably happened.

Very intelligent lady she is. I have no clue why she did not choose to do Law, she would be high flying. Not that she isn't right now, if anything, she is at the peak of her career and I wish her well, because hakuna kulala till afike hapo juu-and she is almost there. She is my inspiration.

But, maybe, this is what stopped her..

. 

Her checklist is not as long as mine, so there is hope.  There is pressure for her to walk down the aisle- not the ‘meet that deadline or else’ kind, but the one where our 11 year old cousin mentioned how she “ain’t getting any cuter,” so she should marry within two years when she can still be a flower girl. We always laugh when this topic comes up’ cause there is no urgency. The good Lord will provide a husband in His own good time.

 

Her beauty is not only outward. 

She is a lovely person to be around; one who makes life much easier. I can talk to her about everything and anything and she will not judge me. She also tells me when I am making a mistake and advises me when I am stuck.

Fun is her middle name. You can never get bored around her. I guess she was just blessed like that, not many people have such a personality. I remember one time when she said, “Money cannot buy you class.” It was one of those ‘ouch much?’ moments, but the statement is very true, whether you deny it or admit it. (Lawyer moment *emotional* give me a moment*breathe*) Anyway, she has this new phrase, “Ndakwira ma…” which made a debut last week. For the uninformed, this means, “I am telling you the truth…” This phrase, when used, raises eyebrows and just makes those listening more intrigued and glued to the story (read mucene) being given.

On a lighter note, God has blessed her in so many ways. I remember when we were praying (and fasting) for her to get a good job, ‘cause she had this particular one, not only in her mind but her heart as well. She got a job, the job, and now financially things are in order. This is just to say that she fits the bill for ‘Miss Independent.’ She has so many friends, family members looking out for her. We love her to bits, so anyone who wishes to cross her path will get to deal with the bad side of her circle of friends and family.

She is a brave lady. On the outside you may think she is fragile, but she is like Queen Latifa in the movie Steel Magnolias –loving, accommodating yet strong. She enrolled to do her Masters and is now working on her thesis. I am already preparing to be invited to a graduation party. Why? Because I know she is just a project away from graduation.

Known to treat herself to the good stuff when time and finances allow, today all I want to do is show her, if I have never been able to show before, that I love her. I wish her a Happy Birthday. When we sing May you have many more; that is a prayer we are making to God to add you more years so that you can be here to add more life to our years.

When I look back, I would never want to change the experiences we have had together. Ni kama findio, but that is what makes it even more special. As we thank God for blessing us by having her in our lives, we thank her for being her. It would never have been the same if she were any different. Chocolate is not her best friend, but I also know she cannot resist a black forest cake.

 Happy Birthday!!

So now when are we getting the real cake....??