November 17, 2011

Today I am thankful for a neighbor turned friend. . .now family. 

When I was  a young girl, she and her husband moved in next door to me.

Eventually, I had the joy of babysitting her boys.

More importantly, she welcomed me in her home and mentored me.

I saw a family that carved out daily and weekly rituals of togetherness;
a mom who chose to stay home with her children; and

a husband who cherished and honored his wife in every word and gesture.

They moved away when I was in high school but the bond had been forged.

I asked her to be my confirmation sponsor, and she did me the honor.

Years later, as I struggled in a long term relationship, I could talk with her with no fear of judgment, scorn, or contempt.

She only would ever tell me that I deserved to be treated like a princess;

There should be no name calling from either person;

I should be loved unconditionally for being me.

Eventually I found the courage to walk away from that relationship and

she was probably one of my biggest cheerleaders when I found true love.

One of the the days I will always remember is the day we asked her and her husband to baptize our first daughter.
We were sitting in my parent's backyard...another summer evening barbecue.
When we asked them, I distinctly remember excitement, tears, and her asking if we were sure we didn't want to ask a younger couple.
I am smiling as I recall this sweet memory.
No. No one younger would do.
We wanted this first born daughter to know love, to speak love, to spread love.
We wanted this amazing couple to mentor her as they had mentored me.
My husband had grown to respect and admire the love this couple showed each other:
Their marriage a testament to His covenant.
We knew God was calling us to choose them,
as He has chosen us...and we have never looked back.
I am so thankful for both of them and the example they have set in their marriage. . .but today I am especially thankful for her:
Mentor, friend, and more importantly, forever intricately woven into the family of my heart.



17.  Today I am thankful for this neighbor, turned friend, turned family.