For My Sister on Her Wedding Day.

The 29^th of July, 2006

To the Bride, my Sister

“Through the Years”

I still remember the days of ponytails, and

Wavy hair wrapped up in those satin bows.

I was dressed to match you, my older sister.

April, you’ve been with me for my forever.

You have always been so sweet and together.

Sometimes I longed to possess your soft spirit.

There is so much behind your eyes of strength.

I am thankful to be one who may see through; see you.

Whether I told you then or failed to,

You were my hero, as you will forever be.

As kids the lessons of life hit us early and often,

But your smile and presence brought hope to broken days.

I knew that my sister painfully understood,

Unlike anyone else in this scary world could.

We are as different as the sky and sea sometimes, yes.

But our God has always known that we would need one another.

You took care of me through our lonely years.

A strengthened bond came from all of those shared tears.

We never did actually know for certain,

But we held fast to a hope that there would be another side.

My sister, April, you’re a true angel here.

God created you with a genuine purpose.

You’ve accomplished great things in your twenty-six years,

Each step you’ve conquered, I’ve been joyously proud.

Your excellence as a young woman I admired quietly.

I adored the times I would watch you play basketball.

You cherished friendships, and loved the unlovable.

To describe you, I need something stronger than these words.

I cried the day you became a teacher.

I knew how much it truly meant for you.

I felt like you had finally reached that other side.

I don’t tell you enough how proud I am of you.

I’ll be honest; in regards to love,

I expected the absolute utmost for you.

Nothing less would satisfy me, for you are too precious,

I was never afraid to tell you when I didn’t see true love.

Dear sister, today you’ll be happy to hear,

That I most certainly approve of the one who stands beside you,

Jeffrey Michael is the man whom the Lord has always kept for you.

His love is true, honest, pure, and his love is forever yours.

I know that this marriage means so many things to both you and your husband,

From your sister’s perspective though, it simply brings peace within my heart.

It is assurance that you will be taken care of faithfully and lovingly.

It is confidence that God has carried, and will always carry you through this life.

You have been waiting for this day patiently,

It is here, this is it; you are in this moment now.

Look around, breathe deep, smile and be beautiful you.

Today you don’t begin a journey; rather you join your journey with his.

Thank you for being the sister I could never live without.

My soul sings in anticipation for the rest of our lives.

We’ve made it thus far sister, and we’ll always remember,

Your wedding day; when you sparkled and Heaven smiled down.

April and Jeff, Congratulations on your new journey together,

Look around and see all those who love you in this place.

Always remember that love is, above all, the gift of oneself.

To have you both in my life is a blessing I know not the depth of.

In closing April, please let me add…don’t forget to invite me over, or make me dinner.

Don’t forget that I should always be the first babysitter you call, ALWAYS!!!

Don’t forget that I will be there for you whenever you need me.

Don’t forget that I am the one who loves you; then, today, and forever sweet sister.

I Love You.

For My Sister,

April Marie Stone

Love Forever,

Sarah Christine Flanagan