An Ode to the People I Love

The following was written over a year ago. I could blame how nostalgic and sentimental it is on the fact that I was pregnant when I wrote it, but the fact of the matter is I am quite nostalgic and sentimental all of the time.

Do you ever look at pictures from your life and feel extremely grateful for the people who surround you? I do. Life tends to lead lives together and apart, but the gratitude and love that I feel for people who I may not see as often as years past never changes. Here are a few of my favorites…

Friends! There are so many people who fall into this category who aren’t pictured here, but here are a few of the women I love and admire. Growing up sometimes implies growing unintentionally apart from people with whom you’ve shared your life. Even though I don’t see my friends (old or new) as much as I once may have, I think about them daily, and pray for them often. If you are my friend, thank you for being a part of my life.

Mom. This is a mother that few remember, maybe just 5 adults who had the opportunity to call her mom. This mom was not ill, but energetic and capable. This is a mom who made cookies, built forts and made her children feel loved. This is a mom who was independent and strong. I wish more people had known or could remember this mom in her glory years when we depended on her and not the other way around. I often wish she were here to tell me I am ready to be a mom myself and not to worry about how much I don’t know or how inadequate I feel. Yup, she is definitely a favorite, and a person I’ve missed for some time now.

Sisters. These are the women who I depend on now. They make me laugh, encourage me, tell me when I am being stupid, and listen to me vent about whatever it is I need to. They are unassuming SUPERWOMEN and I would be lost without them. (You may wonder what on earth is going on in this picture. Let me tell you. Please notice the mischievous look on Meredith's face. At this exact moment she grabbed my butt and that m dears is a candid expression captured by a great photographer. )

Brothers. There is never a dull or prideful moment (well, for me) when I am with my brothers. I’ve always sought and often fought for their approval. They are always up to mischief and are surprisingly smart…well, considering some of the shenanigans they try to pull.

Dadman. This man has unconditional love for the people around him. He keeps me young and helped me to keep on track while I was growing up. And he always welcomes us home when we need, even if it is just for an afternoon free from homework. One of his best qualities in recent years… that he married Vicki.

My husband. (by the way, isn't this picture great! I really hope we eventually have sons) I am still trying to figure out how I managed to trick Jack into falling in love with me. I have never once felt unappreciated or unloved with this man. He works without complaint and strives to better the community and world that he lives in. He is my best friend and my favorite part of every day. He keeps me laughing and encourages me to be my best self.

I would be lost without all of you and just wanted to throw a thank you out into the universe and hope you get it.