A Letter to My Sister on her Wedding Day

This is for my sister on her wedding day… I know it’s been getting a little personal on the blog here, but I can’t help it. It’s a lifestyle blog and these are the things going on. I hope you don’t mind.

Today, my sister will marry her high school sweetheart! Not many can say that, but I have a secret crush on couples who actually do this. I think it is very… well sweet to say the least. She has been with her fiance for over 10 years and they have been engaged for a year and a half. Like all couples in love, I have seen them experience their ups and downs. One thing, however, has always remained the same – their faith in God.

My sister made her own invitations and on them she added the verse Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” This sums up many things beautifully, and I understand why this speaks to both my sister and my soon to be brother-in-law about this season in their lives.

I’m supposed to be getting ready, and I’m supposed to give a toast as her Matron of Honor. I don’t have it quite ready, and I don’t think I will, but I know that if I write it down here I’ll at least hit some of the main points. Here goes…

Dear Sister,

Today is your day. It’s the beginning of a wonderful and amazing journey. Where do I even possibly begin? How about I love you? Yes, I love you. We don’t say it a lot, but these days I’m realizing more than ever that we should – say it, mean it and show it every chance we get.

I can’t believe you will be out of Mommy and Papi’s house, living the life you always dreamed of, the life God has planned for you. But then again, I can. I am beyond happy for you and very proud of you. You have been the glue that has kept a lot of our family together.

Your efforts, your heart and your kind spirit has charmed the hearts of many. I saw this as we planned your pre-wedding festivities. So many people came through for you. I see this every time you plan a party, take care of your puppies, make a craft, hang out with the kids, talk to our parents and the way you look at Jamal.

Woman to Woman

Or Wife to Wife. Sister to Sister!

As an older sister, I’ve always felt the pressure of having to be a good example, to take care of you and everyone else. I may have done this for a while, but even if I did, I never did it with as much class and grace as you. I like to think you learned a lot of “what not to do” from me growing up (I laugh and cry as I write this.) They say smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others. You my dear, are wise beyond your years.

You have a certain way of handling situations whether it’s a crisis or a joyful celebration. I can honestly say that you have taught me so much. You are not just my little sister, you are an independent, confident, strong, puppy loving, amazing woman of God. Now you are a wife and one day you will be an amazing mother. We are all a work in progress, but you, you are one of the closest people I know to the Proverbs 31 woman we are all striving to be. I pray you will continue to strive to be that woman for as long as you live.

I used to have a Post-it in my room at the parentals (your current room and soon to be little bro’s room) that now lives on my fridge. It reads, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9” I’ve been reminded of this verse several times over the passed few months for my own personal reasons, but as your wedding day approached I thought of you. Just as God makes everything beautiful in His time, He also blesses us when we are patient and continue to do good without giving up, but rather keeping our faith strong during times of joy and times of trouble. Your wedding day is only one of many more gifts you will reap if you keep God first. This is only the beginning. I hope this verse will remind you that no matter what happens in life, keep doing good.

I wrote this a long time ago. It used to be on my desk when I lived at my parent’s house. Now it’s on my fridge. It’s a great reminder to not give up on doing good. #dogood

A photo posted by Angela Quisumbing (@the_pinky_project) on Jun 13, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT

Unsolicited Advice from Big Sister

I don’t have much to give, but I want you to always know that I am here for you, always. My door is always open, my ear is always bent. That will never change. I’m glad that we grew close. I know I didn’t like you when I was 7 years old, but I didn’t know any better. I didn’t know God had blessed me with a live-in best friend, that you would teach me so much about life, and unconditional love. I didn’t know that He’d bless us two more times with Amber and Moe! We are all a part of a bond that cannot be broken, and I love that.

So, what advice can I give? The only thing I can really say is to put God first, then your husband, then your kids… and make sure you make time for you! Be open and honest about everything, never be afraid to talk to him, never stop praying together and for each other. Always wear your ring. Cater to him, but also allow yourself to be catered to. Support him in everything. Create new experiences together. Travel before children. And discuss how you will want to raise and discipline them together. Never forget where you came from or who you are. It’s why he fell in love with you.

Thank You

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day, and for always calling me, for loving my kids and for being there. I feel like I can go on and on about so many things, but I need to get ready! Your wedding day is going to be beautiful. You did everything right according to the way we were raised. You thought of everything, and in everything you were thoughtful. From the centerpieces, to the flowers, the colors, the gifts, the bridal party you chose, your song choices…everything fell into place beautifully. Cheers to a 100 years of happiness.