she serves at the earliest inconvenience.

November 3, 2014

I've written this sentence over and over again. I can not capture what I want to convey. Thats hard to do when its about someone so special to you.

People use to call her "Big-Red," or as so she was known in High School. She was the only one of six girls to convince mom and dad to allow her to take dance lessons. She easily wins anyones heart.
Sometimes she can be quiet, but thats because she's usually behind the scenes serving someone else, and thats usually at the earliest inconvenience. She's really good at that.

She is usually my moms right hand, which is so fitting, because she shares my mother name, her special love, her special abilities to care and her sensitivity for everyone.

I never really grew up with Vivienne, but she grew up with me. And instead of having one mother, i grew up with five. Vivienne, grew out of childhood faster than most twelve year olds. Instead of getting computer game time, she was in charge of playing with us--the phase three kids--Crismon, Julia, and myself.

There is something really special about Vivienne, and no, its not just her red hair. Vivienne, has been given a handful of life challenges--just like everyone else--but instead of choosing misery, she chooses to be happy. She has embraced loving herself. Thats what makes her so beautiful.

I remember watching her little family come over for a Sunday dinner gathering--and seeing and hearing her talk to her children,  ever so calmly and quietly. She reminded me of when the Nephites in the land Bountiful heard a soft and gentle voice from above. Thats the kind of parent I want to be.

Vivienne's heart is refined. And she thats because she goes out of her way to help someone else, or just to make them happy. Like...when her and Brett took Julia and I out to lunch just minutes after getting engaged. She is incredible.

So, Vivi, on your birthday (now one week late), you should always know how quiet beauitiful and kind your are. I usually am bothered by overly used statements, but i don't know if there are more appropriate words to say than : thank you viv, for your generous love and happiness. you make me so happy to be your sister. i love you.

p.s. did i forget to mention how determined she is.... the sacrifices she makes to stay healthy are incredible. I know of no other mother that wakes up at 5:30 am to train for half marathons. Viv you rock!