Saturday, December 20, 2008

My family!!!

I am the luckiest girl in the world. I know I might be kind of partial but I have the greatest family.

My brothers are funny, kind, and willing to give me (and have given me) anything I need. They've given up their home, their car, their time, their money, their children, and their love for me more times that I could ever remember. I want to thank you, my dear brothers, for your love. You all mean the world to me and I want you to know how much I love you.

My brother's wives are even better than my brothers. I know those boys wouldn't be half of who they are if it weren't for the three of you. Thank you for always caring about me and the drama in my life. I wish I lived closer to you. I love you.

My sister's husbands deserve medals for having to put up with the extension of their wife (that would be me). They had no idea when they married my sister's that I came with the package. They have taken such good care of me and have come to my aid over and over again. One time I mentioned to Rick that something was wrong with my bike. Two minutes later he was outside fixing the problem. I'm not even sure I asked him to look at it. He just did it. As an old single woman it sure is nice having Rick and Jake around whenever I need to be rescued. Thank you for taking care of me and for allowing me to be such a big part of your family.

My Dad (sure is hard to write this with all the tears blurring my vision) is the world's greatest Dad. He is my voice of reason. When I need good sound advice I call my Pops. He keeps me sane and has the ability to help me see that everything is going to work out. We went to lunch the other day and I realized that I truly am my father's daughter and for that I am very grateful. He is a good man and has taught me how to live a good life. Thank you for everything Pops, I love you.

My mom, although her presence is greatly missed, I feel like she has never left my side.

My nieces and nephews are the sunshine of my life, all thirteen of you. I wish there was some way for me to show you how much you mean to me. You bring me more joy than you could ever know. Your smiles, your laughs, your sweet little voices and really deep voices, your hugs and kisses, your constant desire to play, your never ending love has made my life so full. Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for lighting up every time you see me. I miss you the most when I am in Africa. I miss you the most when I'm anywhere but with you. I love you and always look forward to any opportunity I have to be in your presence.

My sisters...well...let's just say I will never be able to repay them for all they've given me. They are incredible examples to me. They are what I want to be like when I grow up. I couldn't live this life without them. They truly are my right and left arms. Their selflessness amazes me. They know every little tiny detail about my entire life and never complain when I'm sharing it with them. They are the official removers of DDD. They are the first phone call I ever make. They are my security. They know me better than anyone and their love never stops. I have shared the happiest and hardest times of my life with them. I don't know how I was so blessed to have two of God's greatest masterpieces as my sisters. Heid and Steph, you'll never know how much you mean to me but I'll spend the rest of my life trying to show you. I love you!!!

To my dear sweet family, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I wish there were better words to use to thank you for what you have all given me. Bette Midler says it best, you truly are the wind beneath my wings :) I love you all!!!

9 comments:

Kari said...

What a sweet tribute to your family. Although I haven't met them, I know they must be incredible people because you're incredible!!

Heidi said...

Wow. That was nice. Here's the deal. The kids do know how much you love them and you already do everything you can to show them that. They are so lucky!! As are the rest of us. I feel equally indebted to you for your willingness to help me in my madness and for all you have taught me about selfless love and about loving life. So lets call it even and just keep on loving each other. We have it good sistah!

Stephanie said...

I love and agree wih all of that! And the great thing about us sisters is it is all completly mutual. I mean, you walked my kid up a huge hill in the ice on a sled for a birthday party! You are a saint, and I love you so much. Thanks for making me feel better during this crazy time!

Kelsey said...

Your family (including you!) is truly the very best there is! (Next to my own, of course!)

Dave Raddatz said...

I love these kind of posts the mostest. I have always loved the scriptural reference to Christ's visit with Enoch in the book of Moses where he notes with utter amazement that Christ is crying. We learn that the reason for Christ's tears is that we, His brothers and sisters, do not love one another. I am glad that my children, in so many ways, bring Christ joy with the love they show one to another. Thank you Heather for this beautiful tribute. I feel the same way about you as do the rest of the family.

Ladyfox said...

I love your family too. That was a super sweet post. I just wish I could live closer to them all.

Stace said...

Thanks for your visit and nice post. Love you too. Glad we got to see Twilight together.

Breezy said...

Wow what a sweet post. And how true, you have a wonderful family but you give as much as you receive. Trust me I know.

brenda said...

That was beautiful! You are beautiful! I feel so privileged to know you.