Paige's 45th

Sister Paige makes 45 years today.  Quite a journey.

Paige was born and lived the first five years of her life in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  She was a sweet little girl who liked ballet dancing and sucking her thumb.

When our parents divorced, Paige moved with Mom, Eric, and me to Salem, Oregon.  She attended grade school for four years at Candalaria Elementary, then moved to Redmond, Oregon when Mom landed a teaching job at the junior high school in that Central Oregon town.  In 1976, she moved back to Klamath Falls with Brother Eric and me to live with our father.  But a year later, she left to live in Gig Harbor, Washington with Mom and Mom's new husband, Doug.  She's been in Washington state ever since.

In 1988, Paige earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Washington (despite being the product of two Oregon State Beavers), then went to work for Microsoft, where she remained for many years.  In 1990, she married her husband, Tim.  The two of them spent the next 12 years establishing themselves in the Seattle metro area.

Then, in 2002, Paige gave birth to Nephew Torin, who is the joy of her life.  For Mother's Day this year, Torin, who attends Spanish immersion school, penned this thoughtful and sincere poem to his Mama:

Mamá, Mamá
Eres bonita como el sol,
Amable como un perro.

Talk about economy of words!  The lad has a gift.

 Paige as "Squeaky the mouse" at the ballet dance recital

The poem speaks with more eloquence than I can muster.  But I'll chip in a heartfelt "Happy Birthday!" to my beloved sister, and one of the very best friends I will ever have in my life.

Happy birthday, Paige.  I love you.