My sister is someone in my life that has done (and will continue to do) everything I haven't. She's driven and accomplished in every way that I'm not. We couldn't be more different, and it doesn't help that we look nothing alike!
It all began when Katie started running. I don't mean running on the treadmill for fun. I mean running for a passion. And she is a good runner- a very good runner. Once Katie took to running and quickly won her first cross country meet, she was deemed "that Stockstill girl I always see running down the street". Me? I hate running. I mean, I really, REALLY hate running. Katie will tell you it clears her head and allows her to get her frustrations out...I have never experienced this. There may have been one point in my life when I thought "man, what a great run". Those feelings did not last long- I think at that point in my life I was a little crazy for thinking such silly thoughts. In fact, the last time I went for a run (by choice), it was to prepare myself for when I come home to McPherson-- to run with Katie! Yes, I'm a personal trainer. No, I don't keep up. It's unfortunate, but that's life.
Not only is Katie an accomplished runner, but she's also brilliant. When I say brilliant I mean- if you put a book in front of her- she will immediately understand it. Math, History, English, you name it. She has always been the brains of the family. Definitely something I am not. I will admit, there have been times when she has made us question if she is actually the genius we all thought she was...but in the end, she'll end up proving to us that she is a smarty pants. You have a question about anything politics, history, world news? Ask Katie- she'll answer it. And if you disagree with her, she'll explain to you why you are wrong. Gotta love her!
My big sister and I have not always been the best of friends like we are today. In fact, there were many times in our child-hood/teen-hood, etc. that I can vividly remember us screaming, yelling, fighting and throwing a fit over a disagreement. Usually it's because Katie thought it was okay to come into my closet (without my knowing) to steal my clothes..okay...this could have been me. She DID have all the cool clothes though. Or, if you really want to start an argument between us, ask Katie about the Truck. If you ask her- she had to drive the truck ALL through high school. The truth is, she did have to drive the ol' Sooner Schooner in high school, but we actually shared the truck when I learned to drive. Hey, I had to drive something! Then we got the civic. Katie's story: Abbey got the civic. The real story: we shared the civic. She did not appreciate having to share the new car with her little sister. Who could blame her? I was most likely very annoying- yes, I'll admit it. In my defense, I didn't appreciate my big sister bossing me around. And around and around we went. That's love, isn't it?
Where is she now? Well, after going to school in Pittsburg, Kansas (yes, of course with a few scholarships under her belt...cross country, swimming, academics), she moved to Springdale, Arkansas. To Katie, it was a new job and an adventure. She was always the child that wanted to get as far away from home as possible. The rest of the family did not care for this move, as it put her too far away from the family. Me? I would rather just live at home. As recently stated, I don't like change. The farther away I am, the harder time I have. That is how I have always been, and will always be (Thanks Dad!). This is "Sew" Not like my Mother!! My parents reeled Katie back home to McPherson and she got herself a fantastic job as the Managing Editor of the McPherson Sentinel. Have a question about the paper? Ask Katie- she's in charge!
Lastly, my sister has recently married Mr. Derek Sawyer, the farmer. As the story goes, my Mother told Katie, "If you move home, you will meet the man of your dreams". And that's exactly what happened. They were set up on a blind date and the rest is history. Married in December 2010, they have been a happy farming family ever since. Katie has had more new experiences on the farm front that she will be happy to share with you (newtothefarm.wordpress.com). Along with a new husband, she now has more animals than any of us can count, and is still learning how to live with a boy. Nope, it's not easy- and it never will be.
I admire my sister for so many reasons. We are very different, but that gives us the bond we have now. Oh, did I mention she's now a K-State fan? Let's not go there. We love you Derek, but accepting your purple will take some time. Like I said before, she excels and appreciates things in life that I don't, and that gives us balance.
Need to know who to vote for in the election? Ask Katie. Need to know how to lift weights? Ask me. And that sums it up. I love my big sis like crazy. She's a great sister, an accomplished runner, a brilliant businesswoman, and she's my best friend.
Love you, Sister!
Abbey!!! I miss you! You'r blog is super cute!
ReplyDelete