I was looking through some old pictures today, and I’m suffering from a wave of happy nostalgia. This family Christmas picture from 2007 made me realize how much has happened in two years.
I miss my parents, siblings, and even our sweet family dogs. So here’s a note all the way from Houston for my wonderful family:
Dad: Thanks for making such an effort this past year to “keep in touch.” It means so much to me when you call! Thanks for always giving me the guidance, confidence and space to make good decisions. I will never forget when you used to take me fishing with you and I always got my line stuck in the trees. Or when I got sunburned so bad I had purple tiger streaks on my face and you still made me go to school! I miss you more than you know.
Mom: As discussed, you are I have a phone date sometime this week! You are already the best mom and soon-to-be Gran I can imagine. I wish I could spend more time with you because I miss you so much. I want to point out how much I love and appreciate how you have handled grandmother-hood already. Your quiet, gentle and supportive spirit is just what this sometimes-silly pregnant daughter needs. I am so excited to spend the weekend with you and the girls for my baby shower in a couple of weeks!
Ryan: I hate that we’re so far apart! I can’t wait to see what you do in life. You have a good, and sometimes fiery, heart. You’re going to be the best uncle I can possibly imagine for Baby Franco. If we have boy, I hope you can teach him some of your tricks for wrestling with his father and grandfather. That and make sure he has some of your tips for charming the ladies! 🙂 If we have a girl, I know you’ll be a great role model of a Godly gentleman for her.
Rivers: You are not growing up too fast; it’s just that I haven’t lived at home since you started high school! I hope that your senior year is going better these days. God has great plans for you, and I can’t wait to see where you go and what you do in life. I love and respect your creativity, the way you set your mind to things, and your sensitive heart. I also think so highly of your writing. I love you just as you are! Baby Franco is going to have a special place in his or her heart for Aunt Rivers!
Shannon: I love you! I hate that we are so far apart. I also hate that I haven’t lived up to my goal of calling you to check in more often. You are an incredible woman, and part of what makes you incredible is how down-to-earth you are in person. You are I are actually almost as similar as we are different, believe it or not! I am so looking forward to hanging out for the weekend when I come in for the baby shower. I am praying for you and all of the big decisions you are dealing with right now. I am so proud of you whatever you do.
Lily: You will always have a special place in my heart. 🙂 You are the best foot-snuggler in the world, and when I’m sick, there’s no one I’d rather be snuggled up on the couch recovering with. Don’t worry about looking like an alien in almost every picture you’ve ever taken; not all of us can be photogenic. I actually own one picture of you in your youth that is very decent. 🙂
Puck: You are smarter than you let on, little man. I think Dad has just about given up on trying to keep you in the yard. I think that if you do die on Perkins Road one day, at least it will be doing one of the things you love best: escaping from the yard. 🙂
Emma: I adore you, pretty girl! I miss your big brown eyes and your big warm body. And the way you try to jump out of your skin with excitement whenever I make it home for a visit. Thanks for being such a great furry friend for everyone at home, especially Mom. 🙂
Leave a Reply