for all the ways...

my sweet sisters cory and brittni

(and their beautiful babes)

For all the ways you bring sweetness into my life...I am so very thankful. Cory...for the times you have listened and spoken with honesty and truth...for all the times I have felt safe knowing that you have my back...for all the times we talk on things of the soul and heart...for all the times you have trusted me and shared with me your burdens...for all the times you selflessly give and push on despite the difficulties...for all the times you encourage and love and bring about simple GOODNESS in this world...I THANK YOU. Brittni...for all the ways you make me smile and laugh when I need it the most...for all the ways you live fully and embrace your every moment...for all the ways you check in and make room in your heart for EVERYONE...for all the ways you are loyal to your family...for the times I have felt so lucky to be your little sister...for making everything so much fun...for showing me ways to touch people in kindness just by how you live your life...I THANK YOU. You both have a heavy presence in my life. Perhaps because I was the third of the "three little ones", I'm not sure, but something makes me feel like I was always a "part" of your closeness. The times where you let me sleep on the floor between your beds...or the times you said "yes" when I asked to borrow your clothes (when I actually worked up the courage to ask). Moments like the day all the three of us faked being sick to stay home from school and then ordered pizza and paid for it with pennies! I remember many days of play with you both...crossing rivers and exploring the perfect spots for forts while camping...making up songs and games that enriched my life in so many ways...the time I couldn't go to the dump with the two of you and dad because I had to stay at home and clean the closet and when you came back from your adventure, you had gotten me my very own treasure...an old school box with a broken walkie talkie! There were also times that I didn't feel such a part of things...like when you set up booby traps in my bedroom or when you wouldn't tell me your secrets that I so deeply wanted to know...but those times matter too...because you taught me many truths through being everything you both are. When I think back on my childhood...there is a flood of visuals I have of the three of us. You were almost always a part of my play. You let me hang out with you and your friends even though I know you didn't always want to. I got to be a member of the barbie and the rockers club...and sing on stage with you at the holbrook fair. It was important to me to be a part of what you both did...and I learned closely from you guys...because you were the ones I got to live the closest with. It wasn't always easy...we had our moments with each other...that is true. But I have always known that I have a friend in each of you. Our lives have brought about great change...through it all you are both constant. You both bring incredible strength and love in my life....and I THANK YOU! Have a day full of peace and surrounded in love. Happy Birthday!