I don’t want to make a big to-do about it, since I am not prone to drawing attention to myself *modest blush*, but today is my 18th birthday, and I just wanted to say thanks to a few people.
Mom comes first. When she was a young thing of 28 I gave her the most trouble of all the babies so far. For some reason, I was awfully determined to come out at many, many months too early, and I laid her up for several weeks while she got me to calm down and wait for my real time. She has always worked so hard for our good, and when she is old we will rise up and call her blessed. Especial thanks, Mom, for also working so intently on a beautiful photo album for me. I will treasure it for many years.
Rebekah is next. Thanks so much for being a really wonderful sister, your love and patience with me are astounding, and I’m sorry for all the times that I haven’t loved you or been patient back. You are my best friend and I know that you are going to remain so for the rest of my life. Please don’t move too far away from me! Thanks for all your sweetness. Oh, and you can really plan a surprise well!
Of course, if I left out Dad then I wouldn’t be here. 
Thanks Dad for being such a patient teacher, not only with me, but with all of us. I love it when you explain things because we always learn more than we asked. Failure is never an option with you. 
Here’s to all four of my little brothers, they encourage, frustrate and incense with with their antics (such as tying each other up with rope, like they are doing now with much noise). But they also make me smile and love them, esepcially when they wish me very enthusiastic “happy birthdays!”. You little boys are something special, you better not grow up and give me grief!
*Not included in this picture is William.*
Grandpa and Grandma, you have been very motivating and loving and rally around all I do, and every time we get to be together I wish that you lived closer by. Many of my gifts and abilities come from you guys. I know that you delight in each one of us and always look forward to hearing what we have been doing.
Something would be amiss if I didn’t mention someone who has been my second mother, friend and mentor for all 18 years of my life. You are very near and dear to my heart, and you have taught me many things that I will never ever forget. Thank you for your love and mentoring.
To the rest of you, Pieter, Ben, Sarah and Hans, I’m sorry I didn’t include your pictures in this post, but that doesn’t mean that I forgot you! God put you in my life for some reason, and not just to teach me patience or the true meaning of brotherly or sisterly love! I cherish being with each and every one of you and we have a special bond that isn’t going to be easily broken, especially if we keep God at the heart of that relationship.
Anna
