I am so blessed, not to just have one great sister, but TWO!! Luli was around 13 when I was born, and being the baby until I arrived, she probably wasn't the most thrilled to be waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of a crying infant. There is a story I have been told that she saved my life when I was just a wee bundle. The tale goes that I was sleeping, and she came in to check on me and found that I was nearly blue, almost suffocating. Well Luli, that was your chance.. LOL just kidding! In all sincerity, thank you thank you my adorable, just in the nick of time, baby-saving sibling!! My tone is a dead give away to the type of relationship I have with Luli. We are big dorks, always goofing off together!!
When I was a child, Luli was still in the middle of high school; and being quite the extrovert, she was more into her social life than her new, little, precious, drooling baby sister. She didn't waste any time either! When she was just 18, she met her soulmate and married him two years later at the tender age of twenty. Needless to say, while I was bonding with Monica, Luli was in her own world, and it wasn't until later in life that we would really have the chance to get to know each other. Even though we've always been at different stages in life, Luli was always supportive and proud of me as I went from childhood into adolescence. Before I moved to Florida, I would spend a lot of time in the summers and on weekends at her house in Pennsylvania playing with her husband's many, many nephews and nieces. Then, when I moved, it was my turn to be in my own little world of jr. high and high school. We started getting closer as I entered into my teen years and more as I neared my twenties, but it wasn't until I lived at her house for a little over a year that I really came to know the extent of her wonderfulness. After I studied and got my degree in Orlando, I moved back north looking to eventually be in New York City. Luli's house was nearest to the Big Apple, so guess where I ended up.. Yep, in the middle of the corn fields in the beautiful and picturesque, but desolate, Amish country of Lancaster County, PA. Living mostly in suburban areas and on the outskirts of large cities my whole life, being at my sister's rural abode was less than exhilarating, LOL. I had A LOT of time on my hands. But looking back, that was the best part because I spent it with Luli and the kids. Now about Luli...
Luli is truly lovely with her flawless, porcelain skin and her dark, almost black, spiral curls. Luli always jokingly called herself the "black" sheep of the family because she's the "forgotten middle child," but this is far from the truth. Always the life of the party, Luli has an innate charisma about her. People are just drawn to her, and with her welcoming and witty personality, she has never had a problem making tons of friends. Luli is very sensitive to those around her and accurately aware of their emotional states. She is genuinely empathetic, caring and compassionate. It amazes me how she can just look at my face or listen to the sound of my voice and know if I am discouraged or anxious about something. Without any questions, She quickly affirms me, " It's gonna be ok. Whatever your worry is.. It's not real, it's a lie. You are a mighty conqueror."
Luli loves the simple things of life, and those are usually the most important things anyways. She has a humble spirit and is quick to apologize when she is wrong or if just to keep the peace. On the other hand, with Luli everything is white or black, right or wrong; there is no in between with her, and though that drives me nuts sometimes, and we've had our disagreements, I respect her for that. She has so much patience, and it is never exhausted. She has been through many challenges including having a bright and intelligent son with a physical disability; and circumstances have caused the majority of the load of our mom's illness to rest on her shoulders. However, no matter how tired she may become from her daily duties as a wife and mother, she is always ready to run to mom's side whenever the need arises. Through it all, she never ever loses hope. Like me, she believes in miracles until the very end and beyond :)
Luli has her share of talent as well. She can draw as good or better than most of the art you may see at galleries. Although she has not cultivated her skill, it's there, and I hope someday she will use it more. Luli can make me laugh till I wanna pee in my pants. Sometimes, when she is in an extremely cheerful and goofy mood, she will bust out her "witch laughter" in playful jest. OMG!! It is sooo funny! She could make a living here in Hollywood doing witch laughter voice-overs, and she would be in high demand for it! I miss talking with her in our chipmunk voices while we cook dinner together, and the kids listen and giggle at us.
Like Monica, Luli is an exceptional wife and mother, devoted to God, her family and her community. She has a servant spirit and has been a blessing and help to many people, including to me. We have lifted each other up in times of sorrow; we have shared our fears with each other and helped one another deal with them and move past them.
Thank you Luli. Thanks for believing in me. Thanks for your encouraging words. Thank you for your prayers. Thanks for the care you give mom. Thanks for being a great example of the kind of woman I want to be. I love you and miss you tremendously.
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