Always There

She has always been there...

I remember Ann telling of when they got the news that they had a baby sister. Her and Tim danced around Grandma's living room! So I don't know what happened the day Ann was born, there is no one left to tell of it, but I can imagine the joy and delight Dad & Mom must've felt that day to finally hold their first child.

Ann is 5 years older than I, so we weren't that close growing up. She often had her nose in a book or was helping Mom bake in the kitchen. The one year that we home schooled, she was my teacher. As the years went by the age difference didn't seem to matter as much anymore.

She moved back to Kansas in '89 and begged me to come, as well. About 6 months later, I did. We lived together several years and when Dad & Mom moved back they wanted us to move in with them. Neither of us married and so we have spent many of our adult years together. Youth group activities, traveling, attending the same churches, working up North and caring for Dad & Mom are some of the things we have done. We have worked together to make holidays special when Mom no longer could.

For many years she worked as secretary/office manager for Nisly Brothers Trash Service. Of late, she let that go to stay at home and care for Mom. Tending her garden and chickens along the way is a delight. She has a big heart and generously shares, from eggs to home-baked goods to garden produce. Recently she took up cheese-making, as well. I can testify to the goodness! She has a beautiful, white dog, named Teddy, that she has spent hours training.

Ann is persistent and courageous and willing to take risks to pursue her dreams.

She has been there through my ups and downs, encouraged me when others put me down, helped me pursue my dreams and let me talk when that is what was needed. We live on the same road and she often invites me for supper, serving up nutritious and tasty food.

I can't imagine life without her!

Thanks for always being there, Ann, and being someone I know I can count on! You are loved!