brave & courageous

This morning, my sister is at the hospital having surgery. They're implanting a bone anchored hearing aid because she is deaf in her right ear. Last night I gave her a bath and brushed through her black silky hair with a pink comb. As I got her dressed in her pink princess pajamas, I started thinking about how thankful I am that she's my sister. I realized how blessed I am that she's in my life. She is absolutely the sweetest little girl on the whole earth. I love her silly little giggle. I love her curious smile. I love how much she loves life. She's playful and hilarious, and we are constantly laughing at her little jokes. I love getting her dressed in the morning and helping her slip on a pink dress or a polka dotted shirt and jeans. Everyday she asks me to play dolls with her or paint her toe nails or bake a batch of cookies. I say "Not right now, I'm too busy" far too often. I need to say "Yes" more to her, because I love spending time with her. I love helping her get her dolls dressed, I love the stories she makes up while playing with my old doll house. 

She is brave. Oh, so incredibly brave. My little five year old sister is without a doubt one of the most inspirational people I have ever heard of or met. She has taught me so much. I've learned, by watching her, that you don't have to be serious about every situation--sometimes it's okay to just laugh. She taught me that challenges are meant to be overcome. She's taught me that hugs can make your whole day better and that maybe dancing in your pajamas is an important part of one's day. I've watched her overcome so many obstacles. I've watched her turn from a shy, adorable, little baby, into a hilarious, gorgeous, spunky little girl. 

She's a trooper. The beginning of her life was spent going from an orphanage to various foster homes, just waiting for a family to bring her home. This girl has courage. Even when she first met us, her forever family, she had to be brave. She didn't know us, or trust us, and she had to have courage. She's battled health problem, after health problem. From surgeries, to weekly physical therapy sessions, to frequent x-rays, and many doctor's appointments, she always has a beautiful attitude. She has come so far, learned so much.

So, today, I'm just thankful for this sister of mine. I'm grateful for her and for everything she has taught me, every laugh she's given me, every time she's made us smile. She is truly a gift from God. She's my little princess, my roommate, my friend, my confidant, my sister. So many days I prayed that God would give me a sister and oh, how he answered my prayer! And now, this whole bone attached hearing aid? Well, my sister, is just a success story waiting to happen. 

Love you, Moriah Mei, and am lifting you up in prayer today that the Lord would give you peace and a very successful surgery. Thank you for everything, sweet sister. Love forever and always, your Jie-Jie.