Kindred Spirits

As stated in previous blog posts, change and I have had our run-ins. I like my life, and I like the way things are, and while I realize that change always has its place and often brings many good things, every time that it comes, I have a hard time thinking all that will never be the same. I remember watching Anne all these years, and all the scenes being forever cemented in my memory. One in particular keeps replaying in my mind, of Anne and Dianna clinging to each other for the last time before Dianna gets married and addressing the fact that things will never be the same again. Even though she is happy that her friends has found love and happiness, she says later says in all sincerity “I don't want any of it to change. I wish I could just hold on to those days forever. I have a feeling things will never be the same again, will they? ”

I have said the exact same thing to myself over and over again in life. When my parents told me they were having my brother Luke [and I was 13] I thought of that quote. When Chio was introduced to me for the first time I thought of that quote. When Lester left on his mission I thought of that quote. When I came to college I thought of that quote. When I transferred colleges I thought of that quote. And even when I got married I thought about that quote, despite the fact that all my dreams were coming true.

Now, as you all know my sister is getting married. And I will be honest; at first, this quote came to mind yet again. I cant help but feel that I am losing one my best friends, a kindred spirit. One who was always been there to put my feelings of excitement and love, or heartbreak and devastation first. One who I’d spent countless hours falling asleep talking to about anything and everything. One who I’ve spent some of my happiest hours and my hardest ones with. Now, Andrew will be the one to do this. Ironically, years and years ago, when I first introduced the two of them I had secretly [or not so secretly haha] picked him out to be future brother in law and to marry hillary. He is a good man who is full of a simple and strong love for his family and friends, and for the gospel. He is Hillary’s perfect match. But when it finally seemed that all my scheming were working out, rather then thinking about how it was all finally coming together I finally started to realize that change would soon be entering in and that suddenly I wasn't ready for that. I imagine I am finally getting a glimpse into how my brother Luke felt when I got married. The more I realized this, and the more it seemed Hillary was on the phone with Andrew instead of me, the more worried I got that I was losing my sister.

But do you know what? I was wrong. When all these things had finally reached a head, and I was ready to give in to my selfish feelings, I heard something. Diary of a Mad Black Women was on the TV in the background, and the girls mother said, “You need to stop thinking about what you THINK you lost, and think about all that you have to gain.” In every instance of change, I haven’t lost much, but I have gained a ton. I gained my perfect brother Luke all those years ago, a friend, sister and confidant in Chio, an even MORE qualified tailor made RM for me, life and academic lessons through the fun roller coaster that is college, and a brother and son for my family in marrying Lester. Now that Hillary and Andrew have found each other, I am not losing my sister. I am gaining a brother who loves my sister almost as much as I do haha. And even better, Hillary is happier then she ever has been, and it will be my turn to dote on her and be her go to, always there person. And you know what? I cant wait! What a good change. So thank you Anne, Madea, and family for helping me see all that there is to gain.

oh. and of course. CONGRATULATIONS to hillary and andrew. you are both so loved by all of us and we look forward to your special day.