Oh Susanna

Her name is Susanna Rose. Platinum blonde hair, sky blue, twinkling eyes, and a smile that you can’t help but smile back at, all make for her perfect charisma. She is shy, and will blush when too much attention is placed on her in public. She loves Dr. Pepper, black olives, and spaghetti. When she laughs, you laugh along, even if the joke wasn’t funny.

My fifteen year old sister makes my day, in some way, either large or small, every day. She is always up for anything, she loves a good adventure. I remember tramping through the woods when we were little, looking for anything with the promise of excitement.

I remember playing childhood games in the barn, Susanna always playing the inferior role, “because she was younger”. She was always the happiest little girl, she never complained. We have always held some kind of comradeship, both subjects under our older sister Rebecca. We both know the roll of “little sister”. Maybe this is what cements our bond.

She is hot tempered and fiery at times. Her stubborn side makes her stick to her guns in any argument. She has an inner strength about her that makes her the person you “don’t want to mess with.” However, she is usually not easily provoked. I suppose being in the exact middle of five children forces your assertive side.

We have always enjoyed the same things. We have always been fascinated with horses, and anything to do with them. We have always shared the same chores, collaborated as to how to solve problems in our herd of 14 horses, and we always ride together. I hardly ever ride without her.

When we were little, we would go to water the horses, and get distracted. The water tank would turn into a swimming pool; the worn dirt area around the water tank would form a formidable mud hole. Contests would arise determining how long one could stay in the cold well water in the tank. She always won. Mud pies were always in order. Hours would pass as the sun beat down on our bare, blonde heads and tanned our skin.

I have so many good memories with Susanna. She will always claim a special place in my heart. We have often talked of sisters that grow up, and thus grow apart. She swears to me that will never happen. I sure hope it never does.