"Go then," he says with a mischievous smile. "Go get on the merry-go-round, Grandma. I'll spin you." The grey hair bounces with the quick turn of her head, and dimples and shining eyes seem to erase all wrinkles for a moment. Gingerly, carefully, and hardly able to contain the joy, she perches on the edge of the rough metal and wraps her thin hands around the rusty pipe handles. "But..." "Oh, it's ok if I get dirty. I've been muddy plenty of times." "You ready?" Her shining smile speaks more than words ever could, as the merry-go-round spins slowly and squeakily under his calloused hands. And as he watches her abundant joy, he resolves to be like her some day. Content to watch the world spinning, yet always eager to join the fun.

On January 27th, 2003, my life changed forever when my precious sister, Annika Danielle, was born. My mind recalls a hand gently shaking me awake, the whispered explanation that the baby was coming, and the excitement and pride with which I dressed all by myself in my favorite outfit: fleece overalls. Nearly 14 years later, few memories remain regarding the triumphant entrance of my sister, but Annika has improved my life and continues to bring giggling companionship to my days.

Over the years, Annika and I enjoyed a pretty normal sibling relationship. Naturally, we fought when we were younger. Playing with dolls and concocting grass stews, years passed happily until I eventually grew out of the games we enjoyed together. Less time was spent in eager companionship, and we drifted apart.

In the summer of 2015, Annika excitedly accepter my offer to read one of my favorite books, The Queen of Attolia, to her in my bedroom. My dad had urged me to spend more time with Annika, and his wise encouragement would initiate a close friendship between us. One thing led to another, and soon Annika and I remained together whenever possible, spending free time contentedly in my room. Sometimes, with book in hand, the sound of my voice filled the cluttered bedroom. Other times we talked, read our own books, or enjoyed separate activities such as drawing or jewelry making. When you see us together now, don’t be surprised to observe me looking up from a book to say “Annika noooooo! Deruchette (or whatever character has recently acted unintelligently) makes such bad choices!” Annika’s drawing pad also includes numerous sketches of me sprawled in unique positions on the floor, reading or doing school. Intense whispered comments, such as “You moved your finger!” or “Don’t turn the page yet, wait ’till your hair is drawn, ’cause it might fall off the chair if you move!” are no longer a surprise to me, her ever- present yet unaware model.

Spending so much time with Annika has taught me how to understand people that are very different than me. Her introverted nature gives me valuable insight into the thoughts of quieter people such as Annika through sharing random thoughts that come to our heads. I frequently take for granted the companionship and joy infused in my life every day from seeing Annika when my feet carry me down the stairs to do school. Who else could giggle and try to out-do me in double chin faces from across the room when the task at hand is actually history?

The day Annika joined our family, my immature self was too young to expect or anticipate the impact she would make on the rest of my life. Looking back, however, the birth of my lovely younger sister, Annika Danielle, holds a place as one of the most life changing events I’ve ever experienced, because of how she shapes and brightens my everyday life.