A.R.S (W)

Today Alex is 31 years old. She is my youngest sister, although when people have to guess they always assume she is the oldest. Not because I look particularly young or she looks old in any way, just that she is an in charge, take control type, usually associated with being the oldest. Maybe this is actually more a third child trait. She and Pete are very alike, which is funny to me. I think they annoy each other sometimes because they are both so opinionated and have the same personality.
I admire this about her. She is in charge of herself and does what she needs to, to feel like she is making the right decisions in her life. I have always been a little jealous of how confident she is. She will talk with anyone and say what is on her mind. She is so comfortable in her own skin. She is able to plan what she wants and take the steps to make it happen the way she intends it to. Alexs' high school years are amongst my favorite. We spent a lot of time together and had a lot of fun. She was a big part of my wedding to Patrick and I was pregnant when I attended her graduation.She came to the hospital when Siobhan was born and we accompanied her to her moving day when she went to college at San Fransisco. I also made that drive to visit her a couple of times. Both when she was in school and later when she was working and living in a cute apartment.

I have also envied her freedom sometimes. Being able to come and go as she pleased. She always has said she liked being on her own and valued her independence. As she has gotten older though, she is ready to start her own family and I am excited to be a part in witnessing that. This is where I have the experience and I cannot wait to throw around my two cents.

I know Alex will maybe be upset about this picture, but it is one of my favorites. When she finally married David, after a good 15 of years of his,in his own words, "being obsessed with Alex", we all felt like we were the ones winning. We have campaigned and loved David for a long time. It makes me so happy to see how much she loves him. Especially after seeing how much he has loved her for so long. Also, if ever there is a "Goodfellas 2" this look just might get the baconater a part.
This picture should make up for the last. What a beautiful couple. I was glad that I was a part of Alexs' wedding. It was a beautiful day, in pure Alex style, it was also a great party. I wish I knew how to photoshop though so that I could give David a perm in this picture.
I love my sister. We have had some rough days between us, but she has always been there for me. She came to my wedding to Pete when we were hardly able to say 10 words to each other. We have learned to accept how different our lives are and respect each others decisions. I have really valued our time spent together recently. As I watch Olive grow, all my mom and I can say is "What an Alex.", this following picture pretty much seals the deal. I have enjoyed my position of older sister, I have watched Alex grow and become such a great person and a loving wife. I don't know if I ever told her this, but growing up I had recurring nightmares about her being hurt. I won't go into the details of it, but they were awful and I always nursed her back to health in those dreams. I felt such a worry for her and was constantly on watch. Alex drove a kid car of our 6 foot high deck and landed on concrete once. Another time she dove into the deep end of the pool, unable to swim. She has always bounced back, no harm done. But I have always had that feeling that I should protect her. Even as an adult, I can complain all day about something that Alex said or did that I took wrong and hurt my feelings, but the second there is agreement I defend her. She is my sister, you can't get between that. One of the three Sheppard girls and that is just a bond that cannot be undone. I love you Alex, I enjoy my time and talks with you. I hope you have a great birthday. Also, could the shorts get any higher?