September 3rd is a special day for me. On this day in 1979 God blessed the world with my older sister, friend, and confidante Katherine Elizabeth Smith. Today on her birthday I want to share her with you.
I could literally spend days recalling memories we’ve made but for the sake of time I will only share a few rather humorous selections.
Our Tom and Jerry Fiascoes are legendary. It was absolutely uncanny how quickly we often made up on our way back to receive our spankings, quickly preparing stories that were both mutually flattering and congruent in the hope that our superficial alliance would allow us grace at the whipping post we called our parents bed. On one night in particular, Katie defied my mother and for the first time that I could recall, told my mother “no”. Now my mother is an unusually patient and understanding woman, but blatant defiance was lethal! After telling my mother no, Katie turned her back on my mother and preceded to walk away in teenage defiance. I turned and watched mom briskly walk to the kitchen. Like a bad wreck that we can’t ignore, I new something painful was about to happen but I couldn’t help but to watch…
WARNING: This next action on the part of my mother is both hilarious and purely Redneck.
Like the fleeting image you would expect to see of Sasquatch, my mother emerged from the kitchen brandishing a raw potato and without warning proceeded to take aim and fire it at my sister who was now running for her life at my enjoyable suggestion! Folks, it doesn’t get funnier, and more redneck than that!
NOTE: No animals, daughters or potatoes were hurt in the aforementioned event.
I will also never forget the night Katie convinced me to toilet paper roll the house of my current 4th grade teacher. With the job almost done, Katie and I saw a light flicker in my teacher’s home. Diving into the nearest bush we all looked on in horror as a dark figure emerged from the house. It was my teacher and within seconds she was dragging me and Katie out of our bushes and into her living room for a little chat.
Or how about how Katie used to dress me up in girls dresses complete with make up and wig only to force me to go buy milk at the local supermarket, in drag. To my defense, men, I was only 5-6 years old and she towered over me!
Though this stuff is funny, I cannot imagine where I would be without you, Katie. As a young boy I looked up to your confidence, personality, and conviction, constantly drawing strength from your example. Today I want to thank you for all that you have been in my life. This side of heaven you will never know how much you and Tori (my younger sister, pictured above left) meant, mean, and continue to mean to me. I look forward to our future with a thankful and expectant heart!
Today on this special day I challenge you to continue to follow Christ as your only worth and treasure, loving Him and forsaking all, only to taste and see more of Him.
I love you dearly,
Charles Jr
