Second Thank you-logy: Heather, the Beloved.

Heather and I are the close in age (yes, I can still remember the day in elementary school realizing that I was the accident…haha). Heather and I were basically twins growing up—I say basically because we did so much together.

I always joked that Heather received all the kind, patient, and compassionate genes and I inherited the loud, aggressive and impatient genes from our parents. Heather was always an example to others. Several women would tell their daughters that they should be like her. That is how I began to call her Heather, the beloved. (she hated when I said that, but it is true). There are people in life that others just feel comfortable around and Heather is one of those people.

Heather was the person I learned to read with, played the piano with (she was always better…), and the person I remember waking up in the night screaming because we were both scared.

That is not to say she is perfect, (she’s close) when we were younger she hated to have attention drawn towards her so she would have me order her food at McDonalds or call people that she needed to call. And although we were close as siblings can be, there were times in high school we would go to lunch and fight the whole time—probably about something stupid. Then as we walked into the hallways where both us had nearby lockers we would become the best of friends again.

Madre was wise and separated us in classes, Heather was the very youngest of her class I was the oldest. Even so, our group of friends overlapped. From junior high school up Heather and I would invite several friends over to the house to play cards until late in the night. We went ice blocking or toilet papering together and would laugh for hours about as we rode away in the getaway car.

Now that Heather is older and has a family of her own it is fun to watch her as a mother. All of her children are happy and full of life. Heather is willing to let them be their unique selves. Life has not be perfect in anyway, Heather’s family has experienced their share of family trials—but with a strong faith and a close knit family they have endured and are still smiling today.

Now, she will be completely embarrassed by this post because she still doesn’t like to have attention drawn to herself. But Heather, thank you for being a wonderful sister, a loyal friend and an example.

My first Thank You-logy: Beau-D

Any of you that have read WHITE LILIES IN AUTUMN know that November is an emotional month for our family. November 3^rd marks Vaitafe’s fourth birthday. Lady Hiva and I were talking that if all our kids were alive and with us we would have a 10 year old, 2 four year olds and two under 1 years old. A big family to warm our hearts.

November is also when Vatiafe passed away…and Trevor..and our adopted sisters’ dad Charles. So many sad things to commemorate. When those days come we often call, write, or talk with each other about those we love that are waiting for us in the next life. At their funerals we talked all about our memories of them and how much we miss them and write long eulogies of their life.

I started to think this week that I find it odd we wait until AFTER someone is gone to tell them how much we love and appreciate them and how thankful we are for them in our lives. So I am going to write several posts this month—we can call them “Thank You-logies” for people in my life that I want to tell how much I love them. I don’t want to wait until it is too late anymore.

My fist Thank You-logy is for my brother Beau-D.

Beau-D (his real name is Beau, but I call him Beau-D) is the youngest of us siblings. He is six years younger than me. Growing up Beau-D and Trevor were always close and I was the ‘big brother.’ However, Beau-D has always been mature beyond his years.

When we were younger Beau-D didn’t play with little kid’s toys like other children his age, he wanted to play whatever we were playing. He was a slower eater than us and would opt to go hungry and join us than sit and finish eating while we were playing.

He has such strong knack for business and money. He bought his first vehicle when he was 9 years old. That trait has continued throughout his life as he has saved and purchased vehicles, land and animals all without help.

One thing I admire Beau-D the most is his love of life and deep, caring nature for those around him. As older siblings we learned to wield that love our favor. When Madre would get mad, all it took was Beau-D saying sweetly, “Mommy, I love you,”  and she couldn’t be angry anymore. Beau-D is fiercely loyal and will do anything to help or protect those he loves.  

I left my parents’ house when Beau-D was only 11 years old so I missed the years that he was growing up and becoming a man. Over the last few years I have enjoyed watching him set goals and go achieve them. Although I am six years older we have hit milestones around the same time.

Lady Hiva and got married then a few months later Beau-D married his high school sweetheart, Kalani. This year Lady and I bought a house…a few months later Beau-D and Kalani bought a house. Then Lucky was born and guess what? A few months later Kaleia was born!

I am so thankful for Beau-D and all he does. He is a deep thinker. Most of his actions are well thought out before he takes them. He is quiet but when he does speak, you want to make sure to listen because it usually is wisdom beyond his years. Partially because he is a spiritual giant—always has been.

Beau-D is talented with his hands and has built many beautiful pieces of furniture. He has a love for animals that is unmatched by anyone. He is in his element with his horse and dog out on a ride in the wilderness.

Beau-D, I love you. And although I have lived far away from you for nearly 14 years I appreciate your friendship, admire your leadership,  and your example to us all. .