Today is my sister's birthday. She turns 27. In her short life, she has earned her Bachelor's Degree, her Master's, her Juris Doctorate, become a mother, travelled to Europe, and met the love of her life, not in that order. She inspires me every day. In her honor, I gave the following toast to her at her law school graduation a few weeks ago. I want her to always remember these words and how important she is to me. Also check out her shoes. Fabulous, right? Katie, Today you graduate from Law School. In a word-AMAZING. I know everyone here is happy for you and so proud of you. How can they not be? I mean really? But I wanted you to know how truly proud of you I am. Not just today, but of everything you’ve accomplished since the fourth grade, beginning with consistent straight As, Top 30 status, and full rides for your undergrad, graduate, and post graduate education, and those are just a few of your academic achievements. I haven’t even gotten to your personal achievements, of which there are many, but I’m really referring to one in particular-Your son. He is magnificent. Along with your amazing husband, Nestor is a thriving, beautiful child. You both should be so proud of him and proud of yourselves and the sacrifices you’ve made. They’re clearly paying off. Personally, I don’t know how you juggled law school and motherhood. Growing up, I know it wasn’t easy to be my sister. It must have been cold there in my shadow. I never realized how hard it was for you until just a few years ago, but I want you to know how much you mean to me, and how much I admire you. I am truly in awe of you. You indeed are the wind beneath my wings. You astound me and inspire me every single day and I am so proud of you. For me, it is an honor to call you my sister. I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn. So much of me is made from what I’ve learned from you. You are always with me, like a handprint on my heart. I know that because we are sisters, I have been changed for good. I love you. Congratulations! Happy birthday to one of the most amazing women I have had the privilege of knowing.

In the fall of 2001 the Governor of California signed into law Senate Bill 255, also known as Kaitlyn's Law. Kaitlyn's Law was established to make it illegal to leave young children (6 and under) inside unattended vehicles. Six month old Kaitlyn was left in a vehicle in California on a 100 degree summer day and she succumbed to the heat. Ten (10) other states have similar laws in place now to prevent these senseless deaths of young children. Seen on the Toyota Corporate Campus, Torrance, CA This makes sense since they are an automotive company. Got it. This also makes me so sad that we need a law to tell people not to leave a child in a car alone, ever. For more information visit: 4RkidsSake.org