Friday, February 16, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday -- Flashback


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Well, it is flashback time again! My sister Jody is on the hot seat today. As you can see -- I couldn't pick just one picture of us. Well, I suppose I could have, but I didn't want to. It is hard for me to put into words how I feel about my little sister...I feel too much. Those of you who know me well, know how crazy I am about this girl. She is my family, she is my dearest friend, she is just IT for me, man! Ninety-five percent of my memories include her. Even some of the times she wasn't physically there with me she was still a part of it somehow. Our trip to China is a perfect example of that. She didn't go with us to get Lily, but she was my LIFELINE while I was there...I lived for our phone calls. That first night there we weren't able to get a call through and I just remember sobbing. I was scared and overwhelmed, and I needed my sister! She is the sane one, the calm one, the level-headed sweet voice of reason -- the kind of friend a person could spend their whole life searching for. (And she was GIVEN to me... Thanks God).
Now, of course, we didn't start off as best friends. I didn't originally see her for the special gift that she is. So, I may have treated her less than wonderfully in the beginning. But, she has forgiven me for the sins of my youth. Family is forever, right!?
We have shared all the BIG moments in life. We have cried on each other's shoulders when relationships ended (I did the majority of crying in that area). We mourned the death of our grandma together. I stood by her side the day she said "I do" to the love of her life, and three years later she did the same for me. I was in the delivery room when she gave birth to all three of her beautiful children. She kept me from drowning in the sea of infertility, and celebrated with us when we decided to expand our family through adoption. Then she was waiting at the airport with open arms to welcome us home with our new daughter (and her first niece).
Life is full surprises, good and bad. I am thankful that I have my sister to go through this life with...it makes the hard times a little easier to handle, and the good times even sweeter! (Thank you, Jody. I love you!!!)

20 comments:

Gwen Oatsvall said...

nikki, what a gifted writer you are ... i adore your stories about your precious family. i cry every time i read them. so lucky to have a sister/best friend and i am sure you are the same blessing to her. thanks for sharing !!!

Steffie B. said...

What a beautiful post....again! You always bring tears to my eyes.

Beckyb said...

I totally agree- I love to read your posts - you make me all teary!!! What a wonderful tribute to your sister - hope she reads this - she will surely feel blessed!

4D said...

What an amazing relationship you have. Very special. Such a lovely tribute to your sis.

Keep smilin!

Anne Marie said...

What an incredible relationship. You are so lucky (but you obviously already know that)!

My favorite pic is the one where you're in the peasanty halter top looking down at her and grinning. The one in the Wonder Woman underwear is pretty cute too! You were such a blondie!

Carrie said...

You are very blessed to have one another and to be so open with your feelings sharing the ups and downs of life together. Your sister probably has the biggest smile on her face reading your post. Good thing you didn't post this yesterday, I would have cried for sure!

Ella Meng said...

How moved I am when I read your posts.
Frankly speaking,I've learnt not a bit from your blog and thank you!
I love visting your site,which makes me feel comfortable.:)

Jody said...

Thank you my wonderful sister, we are truly blessed. Thanks for all the lovely words. Your blog looks BEAUTIFUL, I love the lily and the great colors, you are doing a fantastic job! LOVE YOU and thanks again!!!!!

aimeeg said...

What a wonderful post! It's so great to have a sibling that is also a true friend.

dawn said...

Ok Nikki, this has to stop. Everytime I read your blog I cry!

what a wonderful sister you have and I am so glad that she knows it!

Verna said...

What a great sis! You are truly blessed.

kitchu said...

What a moving post Nikki... I am, like you, so blessed to have best friends wrapped up inside my sisters. It's the best.
Kris

Pam said...

Nikki, you were making me miss my little sister. I too didn't know what a gift I had in her when we were little. Now we are very close friends. I hate that she doesn't live near me anymore.

You should consider writing short stories.

Gee Gee said...

I think it's unanimous that you are a gifted writer and I pray God leads you to a job where you can utilize those talents so that many more people can benefit by reading your stories. Your BLOG is the BOMB!!!!

Emmie said...

Beautilful posts and cute pics! It's awesome you have such a great relationship with your sis!

comingaroundagain said...

What a wonderful tribute to your best friend / sister!

BTW, I like your blog's remodel / 'new look'.

TaiwanMommy said...

Hey- you guys want a third sister? :) PLEASE?

xoxo
val

PandaMom said...

How fun! I LOVE going through old pics and remembering all the details of a moment. I could literally spend hours doing this. ; )

Dannye said...

I agree sisters are great, as are brothers too, I am blessed with one of each!!!

Holly said...

Ohhhhh Nicki, this time you really did it and made me cry!!! You really do need to write a book my dear. I believe it is your calling. Love the the stories, love the new lily page, and most of all love you!!!
Holly