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Stephanie Rische

Blogger and Writer: Capturing Stories of God's Grace

May 24, 2013

A Letter to My Sister on Her 28th Birthday

They were going to name you Fart-Dart.

We had a family meeting to discuss names before you were born, and Dad and Kyle formed an alliance, claiming that if you were a boy, Fart-Dart it would be. My indignant protests and sisterly outrage fell on deaf ears. They were too busy trying to figure out a middle name that would go well with Fart-Dart.

At seven, I was pretty sure Mom wouldn’t let that fly, but I wasn’t positive. Those two were a force to be reckoned with when they teamed up together—Dad with his “No, I mean it” expression that made it impossible for me to tell if he was joking, and Kyle with his infectious giggle that bubbled up every time bathroom humor was employed.

heet2And so I prayed.

Every night before I went to bed, I prayed and prayed, with all the seven-year-old faith I could muster, that you would be a girl so you wouldn’t have to live your life under such a curse.

Sure enough, on a Friday in May all those years ago, Mom and Dad called from the hospital with the news. I was sitting on the bed in Grandma and Grandpa’s guest room—the one with the orange flowered bedspread. I could barely breathe as I waited for the announcement.

“It’s a girl,” Mom said.

I knew I was supposed to say something, but my throat was stuck. At seven, I thought you only cried when you were sad. I couldn’t figure out why tears were trying to squeeze out now, when I was so happy.

Finally I eked out the logical question: “What’s her name?”

Mom and Dad hadn’t decided yet. But it didn’t matter—I had a sister. And her name would not be Fart-Dart.

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All these years later, God has answered my prayer in ways beyond what I thought I was asking for back then. I’d been praying for a sister to avoid a name disaster, and he’s given me a sister to talk with, laugh with, whisper with, and do crossword puzzles with. He’s given me a sister who shows me what it means to shine Christ’s light in the way she cares for others and faithfully lives her life. He’s given me a sister who encourages me to try new things, a sister who spurs me to live more fully and abundantly and joyfully. He’s given me a sister who also happens to be my friend.

Meghan, you are the answer to my prayers and then some.

And now in this year of your life, baby sister, you are going to have a baby yourself. And you know what? You’re going to be such a good mom. I’m praying for your baby as we count down these months and days, just as I prayed for you twenty-eight years ago—not about the gender this time, but that this child will love God and love people. That he’ll have a big heart and a pure faith. That he’ll embrace life with his arms wide open. Just like his mama.

But I do have just one piece of advice for you as prepare for this baby’s appearance: please, whatever you do, don’t name this kid Fart-Dart.

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8 Comments Filed Under: Family Tagged With: baby, baby names, birthday, children, Christianity, Faith, Family, God, parenting, sister, spirituality
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About Stephanie

I think that glimmers of grace are all around us, and I'd love to share those stories with you. I hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and join me at StephanieRische.com.

Quote of the Week

“Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
—Madeleine L’Engle

Discussion

  1. maggierowe says

    May 24, 2013 at 11:53 am

    This post brought tears to my eyes AFTER I got over laughing about the name Fart-Dart. You think you’ve heard of everything until you hear anecdotes about the wonderful Voiland sense of humor…!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      May 28, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      Maggie, you’re right! My dad always keeps us laughing.

      Reply
  2. Linda says

    May 24, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    Moved me to tears, too, Stephanie. I vividly remember the night my own sister came home from the hospital when I was seven years old as well. You’ve been given a great gift in your relationship.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      May 28, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      Oh, a fellow big sister! We’ll have to compare notes. 🙂

      Reply
  3. epiphanyhuffman says

    May 25, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Today would have been my sweet sister’s 28th birthday. It’s heart-warming to read of your kindred relationship! Many blessings.

    Reply
  4. Nancy Rische says

    May 26, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    So fun to have sisters to share with whether by blood or not. Enjoy her and congrats to Ted and Meghan.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      May 28, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      I’m so excited to be an aunt again!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Shine | Stephanie Rische says:
    September 6, 2013 at 8:15 am

    […] now, as I think about this baby, I can’t help but think how blessed this kid will be to have parents who shine the way Meghan and […]

    Reply

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