Did you attend the Big Bash wedding at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago on September 16th, 2006? That was my sister's wedding. I recall smiling at everybody that passes me; even a fly got a smile too. New faces, old recalling faces, regular faces all showed up. I was the happiest sister on earth. It was not how big or how beautiful or how much money was spent but it was all about my sister and how I found out that I love her so much. Her gaze; I wouldn't trade for a million dollars, her smiles were real, her dance... magnificent! She was just all I wanted to see happy. And the kind of wedding I dreamed of having.

Ten years back, I wouldn't have guessed she would be in that white gown so soon. Never thought of her as the marriage person (or maybe we didn't talk about relationship more often). She was strict- a good leader with an iron hand, and very secretive. She was the first child of the family and yeah, we expected a lot from her. To the glory of God, she has a Bachelor degree in Computer Science and a minor in marketing which pays her good. She has been a perfect model for us (I have another sister and a brother).

Look, I didn't see all these as a good sign then. Probably thinking that she was a wicked mean sister but funny enough, the marriage changed my point of view. Walking down the isle with my dad in her David Bridal beaded peacock gown, I couldn't help but wonder, did I show her any appreciation at all. But the truth was, I was so filled with joy that I cried with pleasure. How many sisters today can capture that inner person in you; how many? I have written over 100 articles my whole life and never dedicated it to anyone in particular but I devote this article to my sister, Adejoke Babington-Ashaye Oyewole. I will always love you!

Written by: Adebukunola Ashaye