This is my little sister, Joey. If you haven't had the joy of meeting her, you're missing out. She turned fourteen last month and I am at a complete loss for where the time has gone. I am SO proud of this girl. Apart from being outwardly beautiful, with her long, auburn hair and her huge smile, my sister is one of the most loving, empathetic and genuinely sweet young people you could ever hope to meet. She honestly CARES about people. That's not something you find in every teenager you meet.
She's going into high school next year and I am, of course, worried for her. As any good big sister would be. I want her to keep her determination and drive to be the best at the things she does, the determination that almost got her kicked off the go-carts for not letting the guys going twice as fast to pass her. She looked at me and said, "I don't do that. That's like quitting." I LOVE THAT. Keep that, Jojo.
I hope she keeps her sweet spirit and happy-go-lucky nature. I hope she never becomes jaded and cynical. I hope she knows every day how incredibly loved she is by everyone who knows her...and when she feels like the world is against her, as is bound to happen some time in the next four years, I hope she remembers how much God loves her.
More than anything, I hope she can continue to be herself and not give a damn what anyone else thinks. That character trait is so rare in girls her age. I envy her confidence. She is such a light and so precious. I know she'll do great, great things. Just watch.
Sissy and I at the beach, 2009
Visiting Andy at college in Idaho, 2008
This is what I'm talking about with the confidence...outside the Katy Perry concert, summer 2011. Joey sees this kid and demands a picture with him. I just love her.
Running on the beach, April 2012
Driving lesson on the beach, April 2012
Joey with her huge crush, musician Joe Brooks. Joe and Joey. How precious. March 2012
