That Girl!

Diamonds, Daisies, Snowflakes,

THAT GIRL

Chestnuts, Rainbows, Springtime 

THAT GIRL

She’s tinsel on a tree, she’s everything a girl should be

THAT GIRL

(Click on “That Girl Promo” link to the right)

I was but a little girl when this show made its television debut. The lyrics perfectly described how I felt about my big sister, Me’Anne – my idol. The star of the show - Anne Marie, or MaryAnne, as I called her - looked, acted, and lived her life as I saw my sister. So, in essence, Me’Anne was THAT GIRL.

You were groomed with a perfectly coiffed hair-flip, donned with matching shoes and purses, meticulous about your looks, and had oh-so-cool shades! You were poised, confident, graceful, classy, and a perfectionist. Oh, yeah, you liked the Beatles, too.

I remember when daddy-o would come to pick you up at work – when you didn’t ride the big city bus – and I would beg to ride along. We waited for you to walk out and when I saw you, my little hand would wave with excitement and my face became one HUGE smile. You would respond, well, kinda like the pic above. You would sit in the front seat and chat about all the peeps that you’d encountered that day. Then your purse would snap open, your hand would slip inside–voila–a butterscotch candy-medallion, my favorite, would appear just for me! You never failed to surprise me with a little treat.

In my eyes, you were the independent, spirited, composed, organized, and successful THAT GIRL who demonstrated that you had it all together…and, in my little mind, I was going to be like you – my big sister – someday.

You made me feel beautiful as you would help me with my bubble baths and fix my hair real pretty for church. Yep, it was THAT GIRL who gave me the most perfectly coiffed pony-tails ever, accessorized with frilly bows. You helped me with my bedtime prayers. You spent time with me as we would eat popcorn and watch Mary Tyler Moore on Saturday nights in your room, uh, unless you were on the phone boy-chat’n with Char Haar.

Now, I couldn’t really show-off my oh-so-dapper and creative fashions. Oh, no! You ensured that my clothes matched, were ironed, and perfectly creased. “And, no scuffs on those shoes, young lady!”

You taught me NOT to call my other siblings a “BIG POOP”, (oops, said it again!) as soap bubbles escaped outta my three-year-old mouth. You taught me diplomacy and respect for all the BIG OL' POOPS, oh, I mean, other people. I now carry a bar of soap with me as a gentle reminder. (okay, not really.)

The day came when you were packing your suitcases for Minot, North Dakota. You were going to Northwest Bible College (aka as Northwest Bridal college), following in Gary's footsteps, and I knew that you were excited. I felt it, too, perhaps innately knowing that your life would change in a very BIG way. I also experienced my first real disappointment of having to let go of someone I was very close to and really loved, so you could pursue your dreams. And, pursue, you did! (And later in life, I did the same thing!) So, thank you big sister for setting the example of going after your dreams, no matter how hard it may be to get out of the comfort zone.

My idol accomplished her dream and attained her M.R.S. degree at Northwest; she met the love of her life! Just as Donald adored and fell in love with Anne Marie on That Girl, so Professor/Preacher Clyde adored and fell madly in love with my Me’Anne (his student). Awww! I was invited to be your ***gasp*** flower girl. THAT GIRL wanted me to be her flower girl! (Check out the hair-flips, oh, and my pony-tails!) I was ecstatic, for I was going to be a VIP on the most important day of my idol’s life! A new dress, new no-scuff shoes, crisp white gloves, and a perfectly coiffed pony-tail do, once again. (If only I would have stopped staring at the cameraman.) :-O

You (and Dr. Clyde, of course) raised a successful batch of boys; a Politician/Librarian, a Marketing Businessman/Preacher, and a Lawyer. You host the best Thanksgiving celebrations with extreme grace and hospitality, for the WHOLE family. You are careful not to degrade or demean other people, and will always share your spiritual wisdom and insight without hesitation. And, who can forget those Minot summers when I’d come to visit, and the entertaining vacations…Nyack, New Yawk, anyone? Paris! oui-oui. Florida tropics! Whenever you and Clyde visit Minneapolis for Christmas, it is as though the biggest Hollywood celebrities are coming to town…but, no; it’s better than that…..it’s THAT GIRL!

My dear Me’Anne, I love you and am very proud to be your baby sister. Now that I am my own independent woman, I often reflect back on my childhood and realize how much you influenced me to be the person that I am today. God bless you!

Happy Birthday! (Now, "let them eat cake!" said Me'Anne-toinette! I sorry - I couldn't help it - slipped out.) :-)

Blessings: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;….honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:7

Side Bar: I arranged a very special concert just for you. Click on "The Beatles" to the right.

PS Didja notice in the “That Girl Promo” link to the right that Anne Marie is wearing the exact same white gloves, white no-scuff shoes, and a baby-blue dress that I wore in your wedding? AM I ……could it be…have I turned into…..was I destined to be….THAT GIRL?