Throughout history, November 20th has been a significant day. For example, in 1789 New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights, in 1945 the Nuremberg trials began in Germany, in 1947 Queen Elizabeth II got married, and in 1962 President John F. Kennedy ended the Cuban missile crisis by agreeing to lift the American blockade of Cuba. Who knew this was such an important day?

Something even more significant happened on this day and I have been celebrating it all my life. Today is my sister's birthday. If there was ever a person who deserved a truly special day it is Joyce. Joyce cares so profoundly, gives so generously, and loves unconditionally. Ask anyone in my family and they will all say the same thing. Since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, she has opened her home to me anytime I needed some TLC (physically or emotionally), she has taken me to doctor appointments (she insists on it), she has given me my shots when needed, she shaved my head when my hair started falling out, she has delivered Starbucks to my office on days I've needed a boost and smoothies when the chemo made me too sick to eat. . . the list is truly endless. Nothing was ever too much to ask. I've always known how lucky I am to have her as my sister; but as someone going through cancer treatment, I am amazingly lucky to have her as my support system. I wish that especially on this day that she is showered with the same joyful love and generosity that she gives so freely to others.

Happy Birthday, Joyce! The world rejoiced the day you were born and we all give thanks for the beauty you constantly add to it. You do make this world a better place.