As some of you may know, my youngest sister posts here as

As some of you may not know, it is her birthday today. It has been a pretty hard year on our family. Our grandfather passed away just before Christmas, the usual stress of raising her son as a single mom, and (and this is where an older brother gets all beaming with pride) finally getting a chance to start college. It has become a year of adjustments, frustrations, sickness and stress and it is barely even begun.

It has been especially hard financially, as it has been for all of us. Eh, I can see you all clenching your wallets. Don't worry, this is not that kind of journal.

Since I can't afford to give much more than a free meal and a bit of company, I was wondering if perhaps my friends here on FA would do me the great favor of wishing her a happy birthday. You can send a note or a shout out, or simply think about her while you go about the rest of your evening. Don't worry, I won't be checking up on this or keeping track of those who do and who do not. This is for those of you who have the spare time and would not mind indulging me.

You can think of it as my Christmas gift and Birthday gift for the rest of my life if you want. Gosh, what a damn bargain, eh? Besides, look at that spider character of hers. Isn't it fun?

And yes, if you get this journal sometime after the 18th, wishing her a belated birthday would be equally appreciated.

Thank you all for your time and indulgence in even reading this far.