It was August 26, 1992. Kelli was pregnant (which she often was!), and our doctor told us that it was time. He gave Kelli the option of continuing to wait or being induced. He was heading on vacation and if we were going to wait, he wanted to introduce us to the doctor that might end up delivering our baby… just in case. Since it was Krista’s seventh birthday, we decided we should ask her what she thought, after all having a baby would seriously change her birthday plans. So Kelli asked her if she would rather go ahead and have her birthday party (spoken with a really excited rise in her voice) or should we go to the hospital and have the baby (which of course she had no idea what all the induced etc. meant). Without hesitation, Krista chose have the baby. To her the chance to have a little sibling on her birthday would be the greatest gift ever. And with that… we went to the hospital, Kelli was induced, Tana was born and as they say the rest is history. But every year on August 26^th we get to celebrate two birthdays because of Krista’s decision eighteen years ago.

Having a shared birthday has given Krista and Tana a special bond – something unique they have together. Being seven years apart of course has made it more of a mentor/mentee relationship versus a twin’s type connection. But without a doubt they have always had a special relationship and we have always had fun celebrating August 26^th. Last night was no exception as we had friends and family gathered around the table to sing the Young Life, “boom – ching” version of happy birthday. One of the traditions we have at birthday parties we continued this year. After we sang and passed out cake we went around the table and everyone had to share what they loved or appreciated about Krista and Tana. From some of their more recent friends there were simple offerings like, “their fun to play basketball with.” But from family came meaningful reflections and appreciation of Godly character qualities. One of her younger siblings said, “Krista, I have loved and appreciated your faithfulness to God. When I would be faltering I’d call you and your steadiness was what I needed to hear.” What a wonderful time of affirmation for both Tana and Krista. The reality is we should be doing that type of thing every day; sharing what we appreciate about each other. But what a great tradition it has been for our family. It’s uncomfortable to be the one receiving praise. Every birthday the one being honored tries to escape the hot seat. But we are committed. It doesn’t matter who is visiting, we make sure the birthday girl/boy hears some reasons that God has put them on this earth. Presents are great, but another Starbuck’s gift card can’t compare to hearing your sister say, “I love Tana because I can trust him and what he tells me.”