LYLAS! (Love Ya Like A Sis)

It's late. I'm tired. But before I go to bed, I have to say something about the girl in this picture with me (circa 1993). She is the head zoo keeper over at the Anderson Zoo. She is genius level smart and my go to girl for all things politics. She is a real live (not scumbag at all) lawyer who drafted up wills for the Hubby and I. She is an honest to goodness gourmet cook. She's been known to crank out a tune on the violin. She was a competive fencer, cool mask, weird uniform and "it's not a sword, it's a foil" and all. She introduced me to country music. She picks up hobbies that everyone has (stamping, card making, sewing), but the difference is she is actually really, really good at them. She is the mother to three charming little kids, all very close in age and she's really good at that too. She is the devoted wife to one very hard working Army husband, currently stationed in Iraq. She is funny bone tickling, side splitting funny and I could talk to her for hours. She is one of my oldest friends - we go back a whole 21 years now. She was my college roommate, a bridesmaid at my wedding, there to hold my newborn children, and hasn't stopped coming to see me yet. She is the sister I had until my brothers got married. She is the friend I can always count on. And today she is 34 years old. Happy Birthday Sharbe . . . You Never Cease To AMAZE Me.

ps. I do feel really happy around you, as the picture proves. Ouch, that smile is so big it hurts.