Ladies and Gents, I give you…

my sister, Janis.

Isn’t she a cutie? Now, this photo’s just a couple years old…well, okay, so maybe a couple decades old, but she’s not changed all that much. I mean, she’s taller now. 😛

This post is in response to a comment she made right here on my blog. Plus, Janis is about to have a birthday, which is September 30th. My sister has one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever come across, but more importantly, she has a truly beautiful spirit. Whenever I’m feeling down or just out of sorts, she seems to know and she either calls or e-mails me and everything just seems to fall right back into place.

Recently, she returned to college to get a degree in criminal justice. During the course of her studies, she had to write an essay about a living person. She chose me. Her words touched my heart in a deep, meaningful way. While I’ve not got a professor to assign this essay to me, I felt compelled to write something about her.

In my family, my dad was a humongous supporter of my dreams. I say was because he passed away unexpectedly in November 2001 at the way-too-young age of 63. When I got my first publishing contract after his death, I thought, “I wish Dad was here to share this.” I was certain no one would share it with me on that type of level like my dad would share it with me. I was wrong. Very wrong. Of course, Steve, my husband, shares in my joys on his own very special level, which is different. However, Janis stood out from the pack.

She reads my work and offers me all her feedback. On the college campus, she’s like a walking, talking billboard for my books. She tells everyone about her sister the writer. Just like Dad would have done!

When friends of mine planned my first ever book signing combined with a reception, Janis and her eldest daughter, Rebekah, traveled 130 miles to attend. They arrived early, helped me prepare, and then spent the whole day at the reception cheering me on, standing behind me or beside me, laughing, chatting, hugging, and smiling. She spoke of my father that day and how he would have rejoiced in my accomplishment. Her words meant more to me than she’ll ever know. Her support, her encouragement, her belief in me, and her constant flow of love toward me remind me so very much of my dad. In his absence, I surely have been blessed with her–my sister, Janis! I love you!