A letter from Heaven. Today we were just driving around on roads Kelci liked to travel, and I remembered Kelci had written her college entrance essay about Michelle. I made a note to myself that I had to get it printed when I got home. Of course...I forgot.
When the mail came later, there was and envelope from the King's College registrars office and this was in it. I feel to the floor and sobbed as I read it to Michelle, letting Kelci speak through me to her beloved sister. There are a lot of lessons for all of us in this absolutely amazing message:
Born Together, Friends Forever
by Kelci Gibbons
From the moment I met her she has taught me things like patience, sharing, friendship, and tolerance. When confined to a small space with another person, these are important things to know, and we began our life together in the smallest of places. From the beginning, my twin sister, Michelle, has had a tremendous impact on my life. Together we have the best times and I learn the most amazing things from her.
In the summer of 2006, we were cruising in our new 2001 Ford Focus. Bob Marley blasted from the speakers, and we wasted a tank of gas going nowhere, and we were having a great time. She smiled at me and said, “Oh man, life is great, nature, love and peace. Look at that tree, it's beautiful!” We had to stop right there in the middle of nowhere just so she could take a picture of it. With Michelle, it is always that way—she has a way of making everything (even doing nothing) fun. She appreciates everything, especially the simple things, and just being around her makes me smile. She has taught me that you can find joy in anything.
Michelle has taught me many other things. When we were about seven, we were playing on the top bunk, when our mom yelled, “Girls, pizza’s done. Hurry up the game’s in a half hour.”
“You first,” I said. Then, not waiting until she landed, I jumped after her and landed right on her arm. Big mistake! I broke her left arm. When she arrived home from the emergency room wearing a pink cast. I didn’t know what to say to her. Sorry just doesn’t fix a broken arm. She took one look at my guilty face and said, “It’s OK, it was an accident. Stuff happens. I still love you and I always will.” Then she hugged me with the good arm. Her laid-back comment surprised me. I cracked her arm, and she couldn’t play soccer (a passion both of us shared) but she forgave me, no questions asked. When others have done things to hurt me, I’ve often remembered that day. It’s not always easy to forgive, but I remind myself that stuff happens and it’s better to just let it go.
Growing up and hanging out with Michelle for eighteen years has taught me many things. She has shown me how to appreciate everything, to find joy in simple things, to forgive easily, and not to hold a grudge. She has always been there to motivate me and push me to be successful. She leads by example, and has shown me that determination and hard work will allow me to achieve any goal I set. But, most importantly, she has given me true friendship. I was born with the best friend I could ask for, and everyday I am grateful for the special and unique relationship that I have with my beautiful twin sister, Michelle.
