Happy Birthday to my older, wiser sister Pat. Pat’s a tough gal. She survived a crazy disease, two brain surgeries, meningitis, a coma and Minnesota winters until she was an adult.

She’s always ready to lend a hand with the kids and meds (she often says to us, “I can do it! I’m a nurse, you know!”) when we need a weekend break or throw a family party. She and her family vacation with us at the beach, where we get to shop and eat fresh shrimp and talk about how we love the beach.

She was with us in the hospital room when Quinn was diagnosed with ARPKD and I won’t forget her crying after she heard the words, “polycystic” and she explained what a nephrologist was. She shot never-watched video of us leaving the hospital in tears.

She’s an awesome sister who deserves to have a great day. Hopefully that includes a nap, a short day at work (she’s nurse, you know!), and dinner out.

Love ya sis. Happy Birthday.