“I would rather regret the things I have done, than the things I haven’t” – Lucille Ball

Today is the 40^th trip around the sun for a little red headed girl.  Born and raised in a quiet country town, she evokes all things that one would expect from a rural life prodigy.  She stepped into my life at the tender age of sixteen and overnight became part of not only my family, but our larger than life extended clan.  

You may wonder why I think I am an expert to write a little something about this very unique person and my answer is simple.  I know this girl pretty damn well!  I have been her boss, her professor, and her travel companion.  She is the big sister my kids never knew they needed and I can’t imagine a family gathering her face wasn’t present. 

Teresa cares bigger than life for more people than I could ever count, so I reached out to the group and asked for T – isms in a group text.  The responses were all over the board, but a selfless, adventurous nature did seem to become a theme. The actual text chain was pretty entertaining and had us all laughing.  I will note some direct quotes where fitting.  Don’t worry Teresa, I will edit Doris and Floris comments and share only true love and admiration. 

So here is forty fun facts, cool traits, and loving thoughts to help her remember just how special she truly is to her world.

Teresa’s Fabulous Forty –

40 . T is always down for a good time (From Nolan but Bubba agreed 100%)

39.  Never leaves a glass empty (yours or hers) (P Tuck)

38.  Great trip planner to the last detail (Lilly)

37.  Well Traveled

36.  Can talk to Anyone about Anything

35.  Tackles every last detail like a true Champion

34.  Resourceful

33.  Friends are Family and Family are Friends

32.  Amazing Aunt

31.  Has many nicknames and terms of endearment (T, Red T, STD, etc)

30.  Diversified Career Hats

29.  Sends the best cards (Tisha)

28.  First to send you Starbucks $ on your birthday (Kayla Jo)

27.  Looks after People

26.  Great Tacos

24.  Supportive Softball Coach

25.  Pumpkin Master & amazing Homemade Pies

23.  The Closer (bring her in to finish a job)

22.  Dinner the night before the Fair Opens

21.  Well versed in many subjects

20.  Recalls one-liners from movies and TV  (News Flash … Good thing I didn’t know that)

19.  Bubble Lover (Joe)

18.  Heart bigger than the Universe

17.  Huge sense of Adventure

16.  Great at Surprises

15.  Loves her Siblings and Cousins

14.  Doesn’t know the word “No”

13.  Welcomes Strangers

12.  Always Present

11.  Sports Lover, as a Spectator or Participant

10.  In a sea of blonds and brunettes she wears her red hair proudly

  9.  Loves her Sleep

  8.  Orchid Growing Queen – Green Thumb

  7.  Extreme Honesty, even when you don’t want to hear it!

  6.  Never shows up Empty Handed

  5.  Expert use of copiers (she will know)

  4.  Will try anything once, even salad

  3.  She will fight to the death to support her cause or have your back

  2.  A ride or die to the better end

I think Lucille Ball summed up the number one trait that I admire about T the best.  Lucy noted, “Love yourself first and everything will fall into line.  You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”  The reason she has so much love to give to the world is that she is true to herself, good or bad, right or wrong, and that type of love should be cherished.

Teresa, as you can see, you are loved more than we always show.  But at the end of the day, I think Nolan summed it up the best with this text. “All jokes aside, T is very thoughtful and never misses anyone’s birthday or important holiday.  She’s always thinking of others before herself, whether it be coaching or hanging with us and that is a trait that is hard to find nowadays”.

Happy Birthday T, I don’t need to say be fabulous, because we taught you that at a young age.  Make good choices and know you have all the well wishes in the world for you today.