THE CROW's NEST: August 2010

This has been one of the best summers. Even in my random pessimistic mood swings I haven't changed my mind about this summer. A few days ago I went to visit a client in a nursing home. She's young, and according to age she shouldn't be there. However, for other reasons she's there. When I signed in, her book was completely empty. Completely. No other visitors. She has such an awesome spirit about her and I found myself a little bitter towards her family. Wondering if they even knew what they were missing out on. When I walked in I prepared myself, for sure she would be angry that none of her family had come. When I opened that door and she saw me she had the biggest smile on her face. I immediately felt so humble. She wasn't angry about what hadn't happened...she was just happy about the moment and what was happening. I tried to ask her how she was doing. She sat up and grabbed my hand and asked how I was and wanted to know what I had been doing. I've never had one of my clients ask me how I am doing. So, it caught me off guard. For the rest of the time I sat on her bed next to her and we just talked. I'm pretty sure that it seemed super insignificant, but I think I left there feeling so much gratitude for people like her. She is so resilient and happy and has absolutely every reason in the world to be the exact opposite. Being there was just what I needed (apart from the little old man who kept running by me with no pants on). On the drive home I couldn't stop thinking about how lucky I am ... and how I wish I could be like my client who chooses to be happy in crappy circumstances. I'd like to think I choose optimism on my own, but it's people and their attitudes that really keep me going. I should be thanking you guys.

THANKS FOR:

1. Leaving me notes on my bed when you know I've had a horrible day...and for not leaving me on someones doorstep when I wouldn't stop crying. ;) Thanks for modeling christlike motherhood for me.

2. Being more than a step dad...and for sharing your testimony with me even when you don't realize you are. Thanks for putting Dr. Pepper in my milk.

3. Not rolling your eyes everytime someone says that we look and act a like. (even though I sometimes deny it...I love everytime i hear it :) Thanks for raising the three most incredible girls.

4. Always making me do your hair in exchange for your mix cds. Thanks for secretly loving my attack hugs.

5. For being so driven in everything that you do. For having a huge heart, and for being my body guard since I was born.

6. Telling my mom that I was chasing the van. Thanks to you I didn't have to make that park my new home. Thanks for marrying a pretty amazing woman...that forces me to do photography challenges that I can't keep up with. ;)

7. Telling me who I can and can't date/marry. Thanks for running away from kidnappers with me and for always understanding me.

8. fighting over granola chunks with me, and for putting up with my little brother. :)

9. Sharing my room on the weekends, and for jumping on the tramp with me. OH...and for being my constant example.

10. Dancing with me in stores, and for having tourettes around boys you like, and for never sugar coating things for me. Calling me out when I'm not being myself.

11. Talking me into going back to church at Snow College. I'm pretty sure life would have been a lot harder if you had given up on me when I tried to keep you at a distance.

12. Being so close even when you are far away...and for spicing up average airport pizza with me...and for being such an amazing mother and wife and not even realizing it. (Estaba pensando lo bien que se siente tener un bigote)

13. Being the best listener, for believing in my crazy ideas, for having your own crazy ideas and always following through...and for eating gross MC highschool lunchroom sandwiches with me.

14. Giving the best hugs. For...not forgetting important things...and non important things...and random irrelevant things. Thanks for changing a lot of my opinions of guys...and for motivating me.

Life always seems better when you are surrounded by incredible people. Soy afortunada.

Now for pictures...