Vicky filled in for Taylor's mother admirably, and we still have the mixed sand glass thingy on our mantle. Most of that day is a blur, but I remember being introduced for the first time as Taylor and Aly Knox. I still get a happy little flutter whenever I see my name written like that.

The first year was rough. Taylor was trying to finish school while her career was taking off. She got it done, though, and I think she learned that it was okay to lean on me when she needed to. She's pretty famous now, having done shows at some of the biggest galleries in LA and...