I have tried, in the almost three year existence of this blog, to write about my friends on their birthdays. And trying is what it is. I re-read my post from last year at this time and I said I wasn't going to blog about Katrina's birthday because I would sound sappy and stupid. I have changed my mind this year. Today is her birthday. And today's post is dedicated to her. So, without further ado or excuse, here you go.
I met Katrina when I was 4ish and she was 5ish. She didn't talk. At all. Yet, she and I didn't need words. We got along like peas and carrots. I was painfully shy as a child and we just fit together. Some time between 4ish and 6ish, we lost touch. I think her family moved. But I'm not sure. Fast forward - a lot - to my freshman year in high school. I was sitting in a class (i don't remember which one) when a girl walked in. She said, "Where is Shannon Geiger?" I raised my hand. She re-introduced herself as Katrina and said she'd see me in debate. She reminded me that we'd been friends as kids (I forgot to mention our parents were both in Amway and that's how they met.) We were pretty much inseparable from that point forward.
Not only could she talk by high school, my big sister was Champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate (one on one debate as opposed to team debate which is two on two and what I did for three years) in California. She is an unbelievable public speaker. We both competed in forensics for our entire time in high school.
We drifted apart for a while after she graduated and I graduated and then we found each other again. She was living in Vermont. This was before email was popular and before cell phones were common place. We wrote letters. We called. We made an effort to keep in touch. And we did.
Katrina is one of the single most important people in my life. She is my sister in every way but blood. When I need an ass-kicking, she gives it. When I need a shoulder, she leans in. When I need an ear, hers are open. She has shown me how to be strong. She has shown me how to be unapologetic about the person I am. She has shown me that you can be a wife and mother and career person and still pursue your own life in balance, though I think she would disagree with that statement. She has shown me the power of admitting vulnerability. She has shown me completely unconditional friendship and love.
She is an amazing person. Wicked smart. Gorgeous. Loving. Caring. Tough as nails. Willing to admit fault. Willing to be vulnerable. And that just makes her stronger. She is the strongest person I know. About ten years ago, she was in an horrific car accident. Vermont winter, black ice and a Geo Metro don't mix. She was very seriously injured. I will never forget the telephone call I received from her mother on the day of the accident. My heart dropped. I was afraid I was going to lose my sister. She pulled though and recovered. I don't know what I would do if she weren't a part of my life. And I have known her since I have memories.
To the best sister anyone could ever have. To the best friend anyone could ever have. Happy birthday. I love you. Enjoy your day.
You made me bawl. Seriously. I love you little sis. Thank you.
Posted by: Katrina S. (2peas - ...katrina...) | January 04, 2009 at 06:42 AM
HA! Jan 4 is my b-day as well...crazy.
Posted by: Kevin | January 05, 2009 at 10:41 AM