EFFORT

You’re beautiful, funny, intelligent and fun—

When counting my blessings, you rank number one.

In truth, you hold places from one through to ten…

You’re more than my sister—you’re my very best friend.

Forever my confidant, always my guide,

You take worn-out stories and breathe life inside.

You reach into my heart and pull out the pain,

With constant reminders—you’ll do it again.

Whatever it takes—however I feel,

You cradle my heart and help me to heal.

You’ve done this a million times over the years,

Holding me close and drying my tears.

The love that you’ve shown me right from the start

Built a beautiful bond that lives deep in my heart.

I hope that you know that I feel this way too—

The love you have given, I give back to you.

But this isn’t a story of good times or bad,

Of laughter we’ve shared or the anger we’ve had.

It’s a story of effort—the choices we make,

To hold onto each other, whatever it takes.

The lessons our parents instilled long ago

Still guide us each day – we continue to grow.

Through mountains we climb or the waters we swim,

No path feels too daunting—our strength holds within.

We talk everything through, finding answers together,

We walk through the fire and brave any weather.

And still we keep laughing—a joy so profound…

Your laughter, sweet sister? My favorite sound!

And when there are days that feel harder to stay,

We trust in the bond that won’t fade away.

Our sisterly friendship is built upon love—

And the lessons passed down from our parents above.