wise words

the youngest in our family turned 18 this past week, which means we are all legally adults (even though few of us act like it on a regular basis). the family celebration usually takes place on the sunday closest to the birthday, this being today, and as tradition holds, we went around the table and said one thing we like about the birthday girl. (just to give you an idea of this child's status in the house: from an early age, she received the nickname of "little miss perfect" from my father, though it was adapted once she reached teenage years to "little miss semi-perfect."i assure you, i hold no grudge.) after each person had their turn to heap praise upon the bdiddy girl, the head of the house, breaking from tradition, asked her to share with us something she has learned during her 18 years in this world.

"always give people the benefit of the doubt."

those were the words that came from her mouth. pretty wise for a senior in high school, wouldn't you say? being the next oldest child, i teased this girl mercilessly, sometimes even cursing her existence (she stole my title of youngest, you see). but i'd like to think i've matured a bit too. i now realize that when it comes right down to it, she's grown up to be simply amazing and i am grateful to have her as my sister. above all, i thank her for giving me the benefit of the doubt. happy bdiddy peeps!