Gretchen

If I had to put just one memory of my sister in a time capsule to preserve her essence (aka "Jessence"), it would definitely be my 45th birthday. On that special day, Jess surprised me by filling our dining room with 45 birthday balloons and attaching a handwritten reason why she loves me to every. single. balloon. She had to brainstorm reasons, write the notes, wrangle 45 balloons into a Jeep, drive a vehicle so packed with balloons that she could barely see out the windshield or turn the wheel, corral the balloons through our deathtrap basement and up a flight of stairs, and wrestle them away from our beloved kitty baby, Wednesday, who assumed the balloons were for her amusement. I alternated between belly laughing and ugly crying as I read each thoughtful note, and I keep the precious pile in my dresser, plucking out a few to read on days when I need a pick-me-up. Jess' generosity, caregiving, and lust for life are unparalleled, and I am oh-so-very blessed to have her as my sister and my friend. Happy 45th birthday to you, Jessu!