Well, I truly mean it when I say I cannot believe that it's finally come. I don't know if I just never really believed it would get here, or if I just told myself it wouldn't. Either way, time had it's own agenda and here we are. Honestly, it hasn't even hit me quite yet that when I hugged you goodbye tonight, I was saying goodbye to my best friend for the better part of two years. I look at everything that has happened over the last 24 years, and the one conclusion I can draw is that I am incredibly thankful that God gave me you as my sister.
I know that it must be silly coming from the world adventurer of the family, but there is a part of me that's serious in saying that you should be the one that stays home even though I think I should be able to go wherever I want. I hope you know I don't ACTUALLY think that, and I'm actually incredibly excited for you. But it's so strange for me. See, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you. From the beginning, before I ever even existed, God put me in your heart. We don't just have a special bond because you're my sister. We have a special bond because you were the first person on this earth that wanted me, prayed for me, and was confident that I would come. Who knows what would've happened if you hadn't listened and prayed to that little girl's desire for a sister? I don't think it's just a coincidence. People have kids unexpectedly all of the time, but you wanted me and I've never told you how very much that means to me. And the truth is, I've always known how special you are. Growing up all I ever wanted was to be like you. And I will always laugh at that because we know just how different the two of us are. I was always the one that wouldn't be satisfied unless I had the whole world as my oyster. You're the one that loved having your home where your roots were. You'd get homesick after a few days of being away, and I'd want to stay wherever I was longer. I know how hard it was for you when I'd jet off on another adventure, but what you didn't know is that I was always sure where my home was, because it was where you were. And I think that's part of why this is so hard for me. I know it's selfish, but you've always been there for me and I can't tell you how very thankful I am for that. I've always known that I could count on you for a harry potter marathon, or a fat kid day. I loved when I was younger, and you'd invite me over to your apartment to spend the night. All the times you gave me boy advice, and all the times we laughed until we cried. Having a crazy dance partner while everyone was hanging out in the kitchen, making weird faces, and acting like we're 5. Talking about Jesus, and what it means to truly be courageous. Crying when our hearts were broken, and crying during something that tugged at our heartstrings. That one time we got in a physical fight, and then laughed about it. All of these memories are things that I cherish. And things I will hold onto when I miss you desperately, because surprise! I most definitely will.
Laura, I truly owe so much of the woman I am to you. You never thought my dreams were silly, and you always supported them even if no one else did. I've always known that regardless, you will have my back. And I want to thank you for that. And now I want to do the same for you. I want to send you off with excitement and blessing, because now it's your turn for a grand adventure! And oh what an adventure it will be! I'm so excited for the places you'll discover and the friends you will make. I'm so excited for the culture changes, and the new beauty that will surround you. I'm so excited for the rainy days, and the days you'll bask in the rare sunshine. I'm excited for all the good days you'll have, and I'm even excited for the bad ones. I'm excited for the growing and discovering you'll do. Don't hesitate, take chances, get out of your comfort zone! Go on spontaneous day adventures. Try that food that seems weird. Make conversation with a complete stranger, and listen to their life. I know I can't be selfish and wish for you to stay here, because there are so many people waiting in your future who's lives will be immeasurably more blessed because you'll walk into them. And that's what I'm most excited for. I'm excited to see all the amazing relationships God has in store for you. I'm excited to see what this open door holds.
So now, my dear sister, my best friend, it's time to prepare your heart. Be open to it all! Find all the most wonderful places to go so you can take me when I visit! And even if you find Harry Potter's world before me, pretend you didn't so we can discover it together;) But really and truly, know that my heart and my prayers go with you. I pray safety, life and love over you. I pray blessing, happiness and adventure. And know that no matter where we are in the world, you are still part of my home, and you always will be. I love you Laura Lynne! England is soon to be the luckiest place in the world, because they will have you!
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