11.04.2007

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!

8 comments:

Cory said...

Jess,
Thank you soooo much for your beautiful words. Now I am crying!!! "The Three Little Ones" will ALWAYS be apart of who I am. I love you soooo much and am so very blessed to have such a beautiful little sister. Thank you for all that you add to my life!

Brittni said...

Jess, Thank you so much for the kind words! You sure know how to make someone feel so special. I love thinking back to our childhood and many times wish I could go back and revisit them. I loved that we were the "three little ones!" We learned so much from each other! I know my life is what it is because of my family! Thank you for the moments of childhood memories today, they brought tears to my eyes! I love you Jessie so much and think the world of you!

Debbie said...

What amazing words from a beautiful woman about two incredible people. Happy Birthday Cory and Brittni. My family is lucky to know both of you. As I think I always say when any of you write about family, you are an amazing group of people. You have impacted my heart and soul in more ways than you know.

Jamie said...

Happy Birthday sisters!! I love you so much and even though I wasn't part of the "three little ones" :) I'm so thankful for the special friendship that we share today. :) Have a beautiful year!

daisies said...

beautiful!! sending birthday wishes!!

Nonnie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kimberly said...

beautiful tribute Jess. Thanks for taking us down memory lane! :)

Simplicity Wins said...

Happy birthday girls, I am happy to finally be able to tell you two apart....I think.