Memories of My Big, but Little Sister by Mia "Lucy" Lowry

My sister Mary Villanueva was my first playmate as a child. She loved to play dolls and barbies with me. I remember how we would spend our summer's playing with dolls and playing school.

We would use the sidewalk as a slip and slide during those hot summer months. Sometimes if we had money and Mom could take us, we would go to the swimming pool either near the church or the one at Yuma High School.

I remember "borrowing" (using this word loosely) her clothes without her permission when I was older. Since she made her clothes and had lots to wear I reasoned it was no big deal. I would try to put it back exactly like she had it, but she always knew I had used her clothes. What was (and still) neat to me is not necessarily her definition of neatness. She took after Mom in all of Mom's good qualities.

At times we would argue and fight over silly childish things, but in the end we would make up because we loved each other. I remember one time she punched me so hard that I flew against the wall and all the air went out of me. She knew she was going to be in trouble if I started to wail as soon as I caught my breath. She promised that if I did not cry I would receive from her an entire pack of gum. This promise was given to me quite often by my siblings. If I ever remember how many times this promise was made and finally received these packs of gum. I think I would have enough to open my own gum store.

My favorite memory with my sister was one Christmas. I was asking for a special Barbie doll that year. When the presents started showing up under the tree (Santa never came to our home), I found a box that resembled a Barbie box. I was so excited! That Christmas Eve after church I opened my gift and saw that it was indeed a doll, but not a Barbie doll. It was one of those plastic cheap imitation Barbies that did not have a full head of hair. She only had hair coming out of the middle of her head. I was so upset! My sister tried her best to cheer me up. We took pictures pretending we were opening our gifts from Santa. Mom still has those pictures. These are some of my favorite pictures of my sister and me.

She also wanted me to experience what other children experienced. Her and Suzie got together and decided to tell me about the Tooth Fairy. This was not a hard task since I was (and sometimes still am) gullible. Together they got money from I still do not know where and gave me a wonderful childhood memory. My sister was always big hearted and thinking of others and how she could make things special. I remember one year how she talked my Mom into giving me a surprise birthday party. I believe it was my 10th birthday party. One of my friend's spilled the beans, but I was still happy to know that she was willing to do this for me.

I remember how she called me one day after I heard the horrible news that I might have to give birth to Celeste in the hospital. I was a wreck! She promised me she would be there with me and make sure all my wishes would be done and my fears would be avoided. I know she would have done that for me, but thankfully, I gave birth to Celeste in the hospital. She was there and got to cut her cord, dress her and do other things for Celeste that I can't remember because I was so out of it. She was also there at the birth of Vincent and got to cut his cord too. It was nice to have my sister be there and take control. I remember how my midwife thought she was my Douala. She inherited this natural midwifery talent from Abuelita Maria.

I still remember how she surprised me at my Mom's for my baby shower (Celeste). I had no idea she was putting one together. It was such a nice thing and typical of my sister Tonie-always trying to make things special for others. I still remember my birthday in 2009 when Mom, Jovanni (well, she lived with me) came over with food and a cake. It was so unexpected and sweet. What a special day she gave to me!

No one can ever say she is not a hard worker. This she received from both of my parents. I know I will never ever be like her even though as a child this was my dream, but I am so thankful she is my sister. Before I left Arizona, she and my mother-in-law got together to make our family a special going away party. I will never stop thanking God for my sister. I love her dearly and am glad I got to be a part of her life.