Memories

Ok, so I will probably be yelled at for writing about this, but this has been on my mind for a while, so I just have to. Sorry girls!

Throughout elementary, middle and high school, I met some of the greatest people who became my closest friends. I was (and still am) very lucky to have been able to combine such different personalities together as a group. Each of us were so different, in so many ways, but somehow were all able to get along (with a few bumps here and there). Even when my best friend, who didn’t go to school with the rest of us, ended up at our high school, my friends accepted her into our group – and she accepted them.

Eighteen years ago, I was celebrating my “sweet sixteen” birthday with a sleep over with my bestest of friends. Us girls had commandeered the basement as sleepover central, so the boys were not allowed. It started out as most teenage birthday parties do – pizza, talking about boys, etc. After cake, my mom went upstairs and gifts started to be opened. I don’t remember exactly what I got from everyone – but I do remember what happened after the gifts…

I realized then that I had the greatest friends. They cared about me and about each other. That night, I realized that we were getting older and everything hit me. With my friends talking and laughing about some gift or another, I sat on the couch and started to cry. Obviously, my friends, being the wonderful people that they are, stopped, concerned. That started an extremely long night…

I expressed to these girls that I had a fear. A fear of graduating high school and completely losing touch with each and every one of them. I feared that we would grow apart, move on with life, and never talk to one another again. Together, we all spent the night crying, talking, crying, laughing, crying, hugging, promising, etc. Each of us expressed concerns/fears about the future, about what was to be. Before we knew it, it was almost 3 or 4 in the morning, and we were still up. We looked around and realized that we had gone through a crap load of toilet paper blowing our noses and wiping our eyes (we didn’t have Kleenex at our house that night).

We dubbed ourselves the “Toilet Paper Crew”, or something like that. I think of that night often with regrets that I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain. We did all graduate, went our separate ways, and most of us even lost touch with each other (which we promised would never happen). However, in October 2008, I decided to take the jump and enter into the world of Facebook. There, I was able to find almost all of my friends and get back in contact with each one of them. Even though futures have turned out differently than ever expected for some, others have experienced their dreams coming true and living life to the fullest.

This year, as I celebrate yet another birthday, I look back on that night no longer with regrets, but with pride at all of my friends – and what friends they are. I hope to someday have coffee or something with all of these women and talk about old times (I’ll bring the TP!) as well as new. After all, these girls will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you all, and miss you too! Hope to see you soon!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Being the only girl growing up, I always wished for a sister (albeit a twin sister until I realized that this was obviously not possible). There have been many women in my life that have made me realize that even though I didn’t have a sister, I’m extremely lucky to have these women in my life. The following 4 women are the closest to me, and have been on my mind a lot lately.

First and foremost is my mother. Obviously, as the only girl, my mom and I had to hold our own in the family. Although there is a lot that my mom has been through so far, I admire her for her strength and for never giving up. She has a huge heart and just keeps giving and giving. Even though we don’t live near each other, we are still able to get together for mother/daughter days on occasion. She may not realize how much she means to me, but I’m lucky to have a friend like her – even if she is my mom – in my life. I’m proud of who she is, how she is compassionate and argumentative at the same time, and how she never gives up no matter what life has thrown at her. She forgives me for all my faults, and loves me for who I am.

Next is the woman that I grew up with as my “sister” and who is and will always be, without question, my best friend, Barb. Meeting when we were 3-4 years of age, she became the sister that I always wanted – just from different parents. She is an incredible woman who I’ve seen grow into a beautiful, loving mother herself. Our dreams of living near each other, marrying best friends and raising our children together has somehow come true (for the most part) and I couldn’t be happier. I’m proud of her accomplishments, even though I don’t say it often. She is always there for me, no matter what is going on in her life at that point. She’s taught me so much, not only about myself but also on how to give praise for what God has given us. I’m proud of her and thank her for loving me, no matter what. She’s my “sister”, teacher, and BFF, and I’m very fortunate to have her in my life.

Having two brothers, I have been able to gain “sisters” through their marriages and families. My sister-in-law Mary is such a strong individual. While starting out with an extremely rocky, and even sometimes distrustful relationship, I’m glad to have her in my life. I watch her with her son and am very proud of the mother that she is. She listens, and hears, when I need someone to talk to. She’s taught me to be strong, encouraging me in every way. Everything she does, she does with love. Her life experiences have taught her a lot, and have made her such a strong, independent woman. I know that I don’t tell her enough how much she means to me. I’m happy to know her as the person she truly is, and thrilled that she loves my older brother as much as she does. I’m proud of her, of her accomplishments, of who she is, and how she never compromises on that.

My other sister-in-law, Carrie, is a warm-hearted individual, the kind who would never hurt a fly. While she has moved to North Carolina, I always know that she is just a phone call away. She is fun to be around, seeming to always be smiling. She’s had some rough times, but has come through those times as a much stronger woman. She’s taught me to be compassionate and accepting towards myself and others. I’ve watched her grow as an individual as well as grow with my brother as a part of a beautiful couple. Someday, she will be an wonderful mother, even if she can't see that as easily. The love she shares with my twin brother is incredible, and I couldn’t be happier to have her as my sister-in-law.

While there are many other women that have come into my life, and helped to mold me into who I am today, this note would end up longer than I could imagine. Women today have so much on their plates, and being able to reach out to others and talk through things with them is something I’ve found to be vital in my life path. I’m lucky to have each one of these women in my life. I love all of you and am truly blessed to have you all in my life. I don’t say it often, and don’t call on a regular basis, but each of you holds a special place in my heart. I’m proud of all of you and all your accomplishments.

Boys Will Be Boys

Growing up as the only girl in a family of three kids, I quickly learned that my brothers were not only there for me, but they ultimately taught me lessons that helped in picking the mate that I would have for the rest of my life. While I'm a girly-girl, I can certainly "hang" pretty well with the "boys". In fact, I get along much better with guys than I do with girls - and I'm sure that my childhood had a lot to play into that.

Lately, I've been thinking about the men in my life that mean the most to me, and I just wanted to post a quick note about how proud I am of each and every one of them.

First, my husband. While I've known him the least amount of time as any of the others I will mention here, he is an incredible guy, who, for some reason, never gives up on me - even when I give up on myself (which seems to be often lately). He is my rock. I look back at where I was 14 years ago and realize that he has taught me so much. He's encouraged me to be independent. I know how to change spark plugs, tires, belts and other miscellaneous car parts. I can build a computer basically from scratch. I can finish drywall, cut the grass, etc. I've acquired a taste for Chinese food, and other edibles I wouldn't even try before I met him. In the past few years, I've watched him grow spiritually, which has helped us grow closer together both emotionally and spiritually. I'm proud of who he is, all that he has, and for never compromising to those around him.

Next is my father. Obviously the adult male figure in my life as a child, he has taught me so much. As I get older, I find more and more in common with him than I ever thought possible. He is always there to listen or provide support. He admits his weaknesses and displays his strengths. With some not-so-good memories, I am grateful today to have my father in my life. He may not be physically close, and I may not see him often, but I always know he is a phone call away. I admire him, am proud of the man he is, and happy to call him my dad.

My older brother is next. With a 3-1/2 year age difference, I can say that we were never really that close as kids. He didn't always want his baby sister hanging out with him. But, when he left home and joined the Navy, I was so proud. While things got a little rough between the two of us many years ago, I can honestly say that I am so happy that some things can be forgiven (but never forgotten). I look at him today and admire the strength he has. I'm proud of the man he is, the father he is, and overall the person that he is. I hope to someday be able to have as great a family as he does - with the openness and sharing that they all have together. His son, my nephew, is growing to be the same kind of guy that he is - and that right there make me proud. Things are changing is his life right now, and I can't be more proud of him for not giving up on his dreams.

My baby brother, if I can say that, is last, but definitely not least. I call him my baby brother, but in fact, as my twin, he is more my second half. Growing up, we were close - we had to be. However, as with any brother - he didn't always want his sister hanging out. Yet, in high school, that changed. His friends were my friends, and vice versa. To this day, I appreciate the fact that I was welcomed by him (and his friends). Pursuing his own dreams and moving out of state, I see now how much he has grown in the past two years. He is happy; happier than he ever was living closer. He's grown spiritually, and guides me with what he has learned. He is continuously learning and teaching. Someday, he is going to make a wonderful father. I'm proud to be not only his twin, but his sister and friend. I'm proud of the man that he has become and proud that he has never ever given up on his dreams.

For all of you, I'm blessed to know each one of you. Together, you have formed me into a different, independent person than I ever thought was possible. I love you all very much and am proud of each of your accomplishments, families, dreams and pursuits.