It Wouldn't Be a Party Without Any Tears

That's what we always say at family get-togethers. You see, the women in my family are very emotional. If you even mention my grandparents (who passed away a few years ago), my mom and her sisters get all misty-eyed.

I think it's hilarious. I've even started to exploit it. Sunday was my sister's bridal shower. My twin sister, my absolute best friend is getting married in July. Her shower was small, just my mom, her sisters and a few cousins. There were about 15 people. I felt bad because that meant she wasn't going to get a lot of stuff from her registry. So, I busied myself thinking of ways to make her day special.

I bought a memory book and a polaroid camera. On the cover I spelled out "Marriage Advice," with stickers. As everyone arrived, I snapped a picture and had them write a few words of wisdom. I also bought extra stickers so they could decorate their page. It worked out really well and my sister loved it.

We got luggage as a gift from all of her bridesmaids and filled the biggest bag with things she might need on her honeymoon. Guide books to Paris and Rome, flip-flops, lingerie, passport covers, etc. She loved that as well.

Lastly, I wrote her a letter. Here's some of what it said ...

It sucks being maid, excuse me, matron of honor. I don’t get to do the best man speech at the wedding when really, who are we kidding, I AM the best man. So, what better place than here at this bridal shower to celebrate sisterhood? Being a twin makes it difficult to talk about one without the other. We come as a pair, a set, a team. But this is [my sister's] day and hers alone. So I’m not going to talk about how smart I am, or how beautiful my daughter is, or how nice my toes look. I’m going to share a few things that make my sister unique.

She’s got no fear. Almost 10 years ago she packed her bags, moved to Brooklyn and never looked back. She was scared, I’m sure, but she never let it show. She made it work without anyone’s help and I’ll always admire her for that.

She’s daring. Remember when you dyed your hair black for our Senior Prom? Who does that? A natural blonde turned black. She rocked it though because she can do anything.

She wears her emotions on her sleeve. Some might say this is a bad thing. We women can be so emotional. But my sister is genuine. She doesn’t know how to fake it. You can always tell how she’s feeling and that inspires me.

Her heart is immeasurable. She would do anything for her family and the people she loves. When I lost my job a few years back after having just bought my parents house, she offered to move in a pay rent. Both her and [her fiance] came to live with [my husband] and I. They helped out with the bills, but their greatest contribution was not money. They gave me time. Time with my daughter, to watch her grow up. They were there to see some of her firsts: her first smile, her first tooth, her first word. I don't know how I can repay her or [her fiance] for the time I got to spend with J. I do know that my daughter will always have someone to count on because my sister is beyond compare.

Needless to say, all the women were in tears. Mission Accomplished!