Dear Jenny,

Today is your 20th birthday...wow! It's hard to believe the little red-head girl with the huge imagination is 20. No more broken swings, or "jiggling" clowns, or piano playing in the window sill. You're not cute enough anymore to get by with forgetting how old you are (you never were three...), Tommy the turtle finally found his way out of our yard, and even your ducks have flown away.

But even if you've "graduated" from turtles to a skittish cat or from "jiggling" clowns to a bakery, your imagination has never dimmed - simply channeled. For even though bowling balls that take a full minute to roll down an alley and take down pins in slow motion exemplifies your life, no one can ever say you're not smart. You taught yourself to tie your shoes and ride a bike. You created your own crochet patterns for doll clothes and have delighted many little girls with your sewing creations for their own dolls. And gone are the days of imaginary pianos - today you play a real one beautifully.

I admire the gifts God has given you. I've always wished I was naturally gifted in something besides putting things in alphabetical order. I hope and pray you use them to bless others, just as you have in the past. Never stop being generous. In the midst of all your artistic talents, that is your greatest gift.

Love your oldest sister, Melissa

Happy Birthday, Jenny!