Guys, Hear ye, Hear Me. It is late. Wake up, SWYD! It is the Princess’ birthday. The first born to Dr. D.D. and Reverend Henry Crowell Jr. The first of 12, my mentor, my Sister-mom, my reason for seeing the star in the East, my reason for going in an extremely hot desert, my reason for being a lady of character. She is my big sister. Of all of my 12 siblings, the five boys were younger than me and one girl was to young to play with me at the time. I wanted to play with my younger brothers but instead, I had to learn, I had to be a princess, I had to walk with plates and saucers on my head and not let them fall. I had to scrub my knees and elbows, I had to learn, I had to be a starlight, because, I was the daughter of a queen and my eldest sister was in charge. Her job was to make me a lady. Today, I am proud to say to you my sister while you are here, Happy Happy Birthday and I do not mind getting in trouble because I posted our sister time pictures. I only regret that we did not make videos of the many times we traveled up and down the Florida Coast singing the songs from the seventies both Christian and secular as we road to our destinations. Many times as we traveled, I had to be in my classroom the next morning by 7:15 am, but I never could say sister, I do not feel like going to Tamoa or Melbourne tonight because it was important to you so it became important to me. No one can take our time away from us.

The greatest joy of my life was bringing your oldest daughter into the Eastern Star as you did me, the next greatest moment of my life was watching your granddaughter become a starlight as you did me. Times have changed so much. I tried to teach them like you taught me but their parents are nit like we are. They do not press their children to trust that Auntie knows best and she is preparing you for life. I honor you not just on your birthday but everyday. I will not go to sleep without asking my family and our PHAmily and all my friends to wish you a Happy Birthday Princess Ella.

COVID-19 stopped our weekly sister time but I hope my niece, Dot Dorothy Hayes will read this with you tonight and give you a big hug and kiss from me. I will keep making sure you know while your eyes are open that I love you, my sister, my SiStar, my ride and die.

I love you into infinity and I will keep making you mom, Dad grandaddy and Uncle James proud as I represent five generations of family Masonry and Eastern Stars. Talk about legacy!!!!!!!

Again, you all help me wish this princess, Ella Crowell-Dinkins Happy birthday, I love you big sister.

I hope your daughters know just how royal you are and encourage your grands to shine.

Thank you for loving me enough to give me the tools to succeed.