Meet my siblings

Several years ago, a friend passed away very suddenly.  As I sat at his funeral and heard his sister talking about him as her brother, I was filled with an intense gratitude for the group of people I call my brother and sisters.  This post has been swirling around in my head, and although it is 2 years later, I still feel that same overwhelming feeling about these people.

So, here it is, in honor of Siblings Day.  (I don't know if I am a bad sibling, but even though it has been around for almost 20 years, I haven't ever realized, or paid much attention to it.  And, if my intent is to honor my siblings, I am a week late, which is often how our family rolled when I was young, so really, I would say its about par for the course!  ;)

So, to my 4 siblings, I say, Happy Siblings Day!  I know I wasn't much of a fan of yours when I lived at home.  I was the bossy, oldest sister after all, and didn't give you much reason to be a fan of me. Now, I think you all are the best, and I love each one of you for the wonderful people you have become and the ways you have enriched my life.

Starting at the left and going clockwise - Grandpa Sollenbarger with Jodi, Tony, Grandma Sollenbarger with Solly the dog who did not like kids, Sue-Anne, Me, Dawn

This picture is circa 1976.  That is a guess based on the fact that Jodi and Grandpa Sollenbarger are both in this picture.  Also, it looks like a possible Christmas decoration or two on the wall.  Jodi was born in 1975 and she is obviously not an infant in this picture and Grandpa died in 1978 and I'm pretty sure this picture was taken in Scottsbluff.   Come to think of it, this may be one of the few pictures of Jodi and Grandpa in existence.  Grandpa had cancer, unbeknownst to any of us until right before he died.  I really can't remember how often they were able to visit us around this time. And if you are wondering why I didn't post a picture of just the 5 of us without Grandpa and Grandma, I only have a few, and this one isn't too bad of any of us.  Admit it, you like the pirate face Dawn is making!  ;)

I am almost 4 years older than Dawn, and 13 years older than Jodi.  Dawn, Tony and Sue-Anne are much closer in age to each other.  That made for some strange family dynamics.  For me that meant that Jodi was just starting Kindergarten when I went off to college.  I didn't really get to know her very well.  Dawn and I shared a room off and on through the years, but things didn't gel between us until we both were much older.  (Okay, I'm pretty sure I was the main problem, so when I got older).  As for Tony and Sue-Anne, I was around them a lot, but basically, we weren't very close.  

Now that we have each settled into our own lives, I have had a chance to get to know each one of my sibs, and as I said before, they are wonderful people.

Dawn has 2 lovely daughters, and is a stablizing influence in the lives of her two step-kids.  She and her husband, Mike live in Eastern Washington.  She is a school librarian, excellent cook, animal lover, and has turned me on to several things in my life that I love , two of which are a Prairie Home Companion and the A & E version of Pride and Prejudice .  Although she lives about 2 1/2 hours away, we don't get to see each other very often.  Life gets complicated, you know. :(  It is a real treat when we both have a minute to chat.

Tony has his own computer support business in Denver.  I'm not sure if that is what he would call it.  All I know is that when I am having computer issues, I know I can count on him to help me out.  He is always ready to get tickets to a Denver Rockies game when we are in town, and when Tony eats good food you can tell he is enjoying it.  When I tell people about Tony, I ALWAYS tell them he is one of the kindest people I know.  He is a gentle soul who is so happy to celebrate a great thing in your life, as well as sympathize and/or mourn when things don't turn out as planned.  

Sue-Anne is getting used to being a single mom of her two kids.  She recently moved back to the Denver area, is working full-time and trying to keep her head above water.  In all honesty, she and I aren't as close as I would like to be.  I know the ball is in my court to elevate our relationship to a higher level.  I do know that she and her kids love to have fun.

Jodi and her husband, Vance, live in Denver with their son.  She works in a busy insurance office, and tries to keep her two boys out of trouble ;)  I love to communicate with Jodi, whether by email, text or phone.  When she posts a picture on FB, she always looks gorgeous.  It is kind of hard to believe we are sisters.   Come to think of it, that's how it is whenever she is in a picture.  

The following pictures are from our Dad's 70th birthday party.  It was a surprise, and Dad and Mom were really surprised when Dawn and I came down the stairs after the initial cries of "Surpise" from friends and other family members.   I knew from the moment I got the invitation I wanted to be there, and I'm so glad I went.    

Back row l-r  Tony, Sue-Anne, Dad with Madi in front, Mom, Max
Front row  l-r  Jodi, Lucas, Dawn, Me

And one more, just because I love it when we all smile with our teeth showing.  

Now, we aren't close to being a perfect family.  We have had our moments in the past, and probably will have more, but I can honestly say that with these people in my life I am truly blessed.

And the lack of a FB post doesn't take away from the sincerity of my feelings one little bit!  :)