A beautiful girl.

Dear Lexy,

You are 23 years old today. I can’t believe it. I can still see you as a young teenager jumping on the trampoline with me and following your big brother around or sitting in the passenger seat of my car making me listen to the next song you were going to sing at the school concert. We won the lip sync contest because of the routine you taught us for Hey Mickey! The same night you sang Vanessa Carlton's Ordinary Day while playing the piano, I remember having tears in my eyes because  I thought you were so talented, I was so proud of you. Proud to have known you.

I still picture you exactly how you were. Beautiful. Beautiful is the word that best describes you, your personality and the love you had for your family and your friends. Your friends are doing so well, they are all chasing their dreams. I have no doubt in my mind that you are watching over them. They miss you dearly, as we all do. At 23 years old, you would be working your way to become a famous fashion designer or a great artist or the next American Idol, I picture you on that stage every time I watch the show. Life is unfair - unfair to take a star like you away from this world at such a young age.  

You are officially my baby sister. I remember the day like it was yesterday, we sat at the kitchen counter at your parents house with your mom and talked about how we could get Kate and Travis together, “why do they hate each other so much, they’re perfect for each other!” I wish you could see them now, I wish you could have been in their wedding and could meet your niece and baby nugs. Every time I look at Paige, I see so much of you in her. She would love you and she will know about you when she is old enough to understand. She will be an entertainer just like you. You made so many people laugh and I can still hear your laughter, I don't think I will ever forget the sound of it.

The rain has finally subsided and the sun is shining bright just in time for your birthday. I will take that as a sign that you are still here with us in some way. I celebrate your life today, Lexy. You are a constant reminder to not settle and to follow my dreams. Happy Birthday beautiful, I miss you.

Love Always,

Kari

I knew this beautiful girl named Lexy.