This photo is how I see my sister. Beautiful. Strong. Patient. Capable. Easy-going. With an exceptional amount of quiet strength and power. My sister is three years younger than I am. She is an accomplished and amazing chef, she is a loyal and steadfast partner to Gino and she is the mom with the most patience. In our 5 day visit together, I saw her lose her cool once. Once! She has a 4 year old boy, (who in this photo is trying to bend his brother's leg backwards. Just after this photo was taken the baby cried because legs are not supposed to bend that way), and a three month old infant, and she lost her patience, quietly, only once. I would say I lose my shit on my kids at least three times. Per day.

My sister has worked at fine dining restaurants for the majority of her career, she cooked us some beautiful and delicious meals on this visit! She whips them up like it's no big thing. Salmon, mashed sweet potatoes, braised chard, salad with shaved fennel. Ling cod, roasted leeks and pears (holy shit! amazing!!), roasted carrots with lime and cilantro. So fortunate for me that my sister is an incredible chef! And, she makes everything special for me - no gluten, no dairy!

I would do anything for my sister. As the oldest of three, I feel awfully protective of both of my sisters. Don't fuck with my sisters. Period. Ever. My sister, this one, is the quiet one. She is so sensitive, she holds things inside, she always has. I've been reading her emotions on her face for our whole lives. I wish my sister would let me in more. But this is who she is and I accept her. I always want her to know that whenever she needs me, I will always, always, always be there for her.

I love you, my sister!