I was the flower girl, standing there with my big sisters. I am the youngest of five girls. It's hard to believe that women got married quite often at 17, like my mother and my sister.

My oldest sister is 15 years older than me. You can see the influence of Marilyn Monroe on her generation.

We are closest in age and very different. It is these differences that make our bond so strong.

As children we were always compared. This never really worked because we didn't like the same things at the same time. I liked playing in the creek and painting. Tina always had her head in a book or got stuck with all the cooking.

That's why I only learned to cook desserts. Once I was old enough to stand on a box and do the dishes, that was my permanent job. I figured if I didn't learn it, I wouldn't have to do it.

I preferred to help my dad build patios, ham radios and work around the garden.

My sister Tina is now a commercial flower grower, having graduated with a degree in business agriculture.

Tina and I have both had to work our way through college during the time we were raising our children. I am still finishing up and it has not been easy. Her example has been an inspiration.

She's my middle sister Sherry, the one I can talk serious decorating with. We both are passionate about politics, life's difficulties and inhumanities and rescuing critters.

She's the one you'd want on your side. You don't want to make her angry. She is a magnet for broken teenagers that need help. This sister has made it a prority to find the time to help teachers with overcrowded class rooms, deal with the situation. Her generous spirit has helped me get through college.