As my 25th birthday has been approaching I've been doing some reflecting. I've wanted to do something symbolic and meaningful to celebrate these 25 beautiful years of my life, something that made sense to me and something I could share with all the people that have loved me these past 25 years. Ideally I would love to be able to celebrate this day with all my loved ones near and far. Unfortunately that realistic and physically can't happen. As an alternative I have come up with this.
As I am writing this I am laughing because it is impossible to sum up these past 25 years. I am aware that would be more of a novel which maybe one day I might write but for now I have decided on this- 25 people that have either inspired me, impacted me, loved me or just been someone special in my last 25 years. Because who I am at 25 is a big testimony to all of you. I have so many memories of special people that have meant so much to me and as I turn 25 I would like to celebrate with you by making a small tribute to the impacts you have made in my life. So here it is 25 for 25.
My Pop-Pop- Where do I start. When I reflect on you it brings me to tears because you were that incredible. You were a hero, a leader, a sweet soul but most importantly my grandfather. You took such good care of me and always had m&ms in your handkerchief. You had a way of always making me feel so special. Your memory is carried with me always, I mean I have half of your name so you are literally always with me! Thank you for those 14 years by your side, you were one of a kind.
Mom- There really are no words. You are so special to me. You are inspiring, creative, loving and so much more. You are not only my mother but my friend. I really have no idea who I would be without you. I am incredibly thankful for the person you are and the person you have made me to be. I love you so much!!
Dad- My dear dad. You are always keeping up with my adventures, making sure I am safe and enjoying myself. You may have not always loved me being away from home but you have supported me and I am so thankful for that. I have enjoyed spending the time we get together and am thankful to have you in my life. May we alway share our love for the road and a full gas tank :)
Nanny- My grandmother, I love you. You are just the best! I really couldn’t say more! You love me so well and I am so thankful for our relationship. We are so lucky to share the relationship that we do and have the opportunity always see each other ( when I’m in the U.S.A). I remember even at a very young age going over to your house and having so much fun, well not a lot has change. You are a joy to be with and it is impressive how much energy you have. Thanks for being my grandmother and loving our whole family so well!
Brother Ryan- At this point in your life you are probably a priest, but to me you were a brother. You taught me a very important lesson in the 8th grade. That instead of looking for a circle of friends to be apart of, make your own and invite others to join. I learned early on from you that it is was more important to be a leader then a follower and I am so thankful for that lesson.
Rachel- She gets the BEST SISTER award! She seriously is the best. Although we have lived in different countries for the past 3 years we have not missed a beat. I feel like distance has almost been good for us. We have learned to talk all the time and I feel so involved in her life even all the way from Paraguay. Rachel is strong and independent and has such a beautiful life with her husband and puppy. I am so thankful for you Rachel, you make life so much sweeter. We are both so blessed to have a sisterhood like ours.
Michael- My big brother. I remember when you packed your car and moved to Arkansas and I thought how cool and bold you were. I have always respected you and your eagerness to learn and succeed in life. It has been an example to me, especially in the last couple of years. I am grateful to have you as my brother but more importantly that we are friends. Love you!
Graciela- I met Graciela the day I landed in Paraguay. She has been such an encouragement since day 1 in Paraguay. The adjustment to paraguayan culture was very difficult in the beginning and Graciela was the encouragement I needed. She helped me to be strong, take everything day by day and enjoy my Peace Corps experience. Now almost 3 years later she is still a close friend of mine. I value so much our relationship because of the way I have changed and grown since being in Paraguay, she deserves some of that credit. She placed me in the best site for me at the time and never let me feel alone. When I look back on my Peace Corps service I will always remember Graciela and the support and love she extended to me.
Tammy- we go way back. You taught me how to pass out candy to the tricker treaters at Halloween and set the standard for the best candy. You let me play in your bathroom and pretend I was at a beauty parlor. Whenever the "older" kids were playing you always made sure I had something to do. You always cared so much for me. Not much has changed over the years. You have continued to care for my while I've been in Paraguay with your sweet cards and snail mail. I am so thankful for your thoughtfulness and big heart.
Meme- My other grandmother. She is a superstar. The energy and life she still has at her age is admirable. She still gets up and goes to work everyday, cooks dinner and does the yard work. She was always an example of hard work and drive. She always has a beautiful garden and a warm smile on her face. I love you so much Meme and thank you for all the warm memories!
Molly- Molly my molly. You have consistently been such a light to me. Your spirit is so beautiful and I feel like our friendship has grown and transformed so much since we were young bruins at BHS. You inspire me to travel the world, explore, be creative and know more. I’ve learned so much about life’s experience from you, thank you for loving bee’s and beeing yourself!!
Katie Jean- such a sweet soul. I worked very closely with Katie one summer in Saranac, New York. We started the summer as complete strangers and by the end were besties. Katie is the kind of person that makes life better. We don't live near each other and only see each other about every 1 or 2 years but everytime we're together it feels like no time has past. I love you so much Katie and am so thankful for you!
Lori - Lori started as my boss at Pine Away but has over the years become an unintentional mentor/mother to me. I was quickly adopted into her family and feel as if I am one of their own. She is one of those people you met and just want to talk to and know more about.She is such an inspiration and an example of a strong, determined and successful woman. And to think it all started at Pine Away...
Allison- Acorn, we've come a long way. I met you when I was just a little freshmen. Our friendship survived high school and college and just last month your wedding! You and your family are one of a kind. I am so thankful for you, robeks and our love for Taylor swift.
Claire - Claire and I are cousins. Ever since I remember we’ve been having sleep overs. I am lucky that as we’ve grown up we have still remained close. Even though Claire is a few years younger than me I look up to her. She is such a poised, intelligent and just all around cool person. Claire is in medical school right now and just ran a marathon, like how does she do it? I am continually so impressed by her focus and love for life. Te Quiero Claire!
Jake - My best guy friend ever. It is always a fun time with you. Sometimes I think we’ve had too much fun, if that’s possible. You are awesome Jake and I love you and hope we never grow apart!
Libby - Liiiibbbyyyy, we are going to be friends for awhile! You are one of my favorites! Everything with you is fun! You make being alive better! I just want to eat snow cones with you and go on nature walks. Thanks for being my friend and talking to me sophomore year. You are one of those people I wish I could hang out with everyday!
Alex- Alex and I arrived in Paraguay together. We became close early on with our love for chacos, cumbia, cheese and crackers and Yerba mate. I talked to Alex just about every day for 2 years and I'm not kidding. Alex spent my last 2 birthdays with me in Paraguay and I am sad this year we will be apart. Alex was such a great friend to me and I will be forever grateful for her. We shared one of life's greatest adventures together and she will forever be che amiga. Te quiero!!!!
Lauren - Lauren and I lived together for 3 years. We did everything together. I didn’t know it was possible to spend so much time with one person and not get sick of them. Lauren was my best friend. We had the most crazy adventures together. Lauren is the example of a free spirit. She moves with the wind and shares my love for feathers and holy things. I am forever grateful for our adventures, long talks, laughs and all the hours spent together. There is truly no one like her. Love you Laurrr!
Heidi - I met sweet Heidi Foster when I was just a freshmen in college. She welcomed me into her home with the most open and warm arms. Heidi and her family were such a huge part of my 4 years in Lynchburg. I always had a place to go. I learned so much from spending those 4 years with them on raising a family, loving and seeking the Lord. I am so thankful for those sweet years and the Foster family.
Gilberto- I met Gil a little over a year ago. Our story is one of my favorites. From the beginning he has been such a gentleman. He has taught me so much about love, trust and respect. He makes me laugh at the silliest things and makes me feel so loved. Life feels simpler and better by his side. Although I don't know what my future holds I hope he's in it. Te amo!
Anne - What a beautiful soul. Anne Gibbons was a mentor of mine at Lynchburg College. We spent time together discussing world religions, poems, the meaning of life and love. Some of my most precious memories from college were by her side. Anne has a beautiful heart filled with so much love. I feel honored to have crossed paths with her.
Diane- I met Diane about a year ago when I joined the Peace Corps Peer Support Network. We were on a retreat and she was sharing some of her stories of previous adventures and she was so captivating. I remember having one of those moments thinking " I have so much to learn from her." I have been lucky enough to work with her these last few months and get to spend more time with her. She is gold. I am enlightened after each interaction with her. I have learned so much from her in such a short amount of time. Two things in particular- her ability to listen and ask the right questions at the perfect time and her relentlessness to trust her life in the hands of the universe with such enthusiasm and positivity. Thank you.
Maria Anyla - This was my first host mom in Paraguay. She welcomed me into her home as her daughter and not the complete stranger that I really was. She spoke to me and I listened. I couldn’t speak any spanish when I arrived in her home and was depended on her grace and patience with me. Not once did she ever make me feel bad, uncomfortable or ashamed for my lack of spanish. On the contrary she made me feel loved, provided for and safe. I learned so much about Paraguay from living in her home for my first 3 months. The bond that we created was strong and so very special to me. I have cherished it over these last 3 years and is something I will continue to hold close to my heart.
Valentina- My sweet little Valentina. You may not even remember me once you grow up big and strong but I will never forget you. You taught me so much about loving and living even at your young age of 5. You have the sweetest heart filled with so much love and laughter. I can’t wait to watch you grow up and become the beautiful woman you were made to be! TQM
