Tyler
Tyler, my two year older brother, is a head on, optimistic, determined, smart ass. For the first six years of my life it was just the two of us. We spent our childhood being both friends and enemies, as I believe most siblings are when they are kids. Since it was just the two of us kids for so long, we did everything together. This resulted in a friendship that is irreplaceable. Consequently, it also resulted in a lot of disagreements and fighting. Our mother would often tell us, "You two would fight over a bucket of shit if you thought the other one wanted it!" As we grew a little older, we couldn't have grown to be more opposite as far as our interests and priorities go. Naturally, we were still very protective of each other, especially throughout high school. I was very particular of the girls Tyler would choose to date, and he didn't exactly "approve" of the high school relationship(s) I had either. Looking back now, this caused more tension in our brother-sister relationship than I cared to admit then. {Oh the high school years and relationships. SOO glad that is over.} After moving off to college, Tyler finally found the one who would quickly receive my "approval." This is when I feel like our relationship blossomed in to a more "mature" relationship. We again became friends. As adults I have been inspired by my brother more than I can express. He has worked so extremely hard to have the career he has dreamt of. Even when it was harder than he anticipated and more expensive than he ever expected, he hasn't given up. He is not a quitter. I wish I could say the same for myself, but watching him work so hard on his success has inspired me to see my own goals to the end. Throughout he and his wife's infertility journey I have also learned so much about the character of my brother. Again, his determination and will to never give up is unbelievable. He {and his wife} have been forced to have strength I don't think they ever realized they had. This has inspired me to not take for granted the things I have in my life. Tyler and Jenilee are seriously amazing with kids, and are going to make the best of parents when their time comes. If you have been reading our blog for a while, you know Zac and I have chosen Tyler and Jenilee as the Godparents of our boys. It's because of their way of life we chose them. They always, always do whatever it takes to make the best out of every situation. They have always been there for us, even when if it's inconvenient to them. Tyler is the sibling who makes sure the rest of us always stick together. His priorities are definitely in the right place. I truly feel like if I strive to be more like him in my everyday life, my life would be of the most positive and meaningful.
Dedric was born when I was 6 years old. Though there is such an age gap between the two of us, I feel like I click with him better than most people around my own age. He too is someone I look up to in more ways than one. He is a passionate kid who puts no limits on what it takes to achieve his dreams. The kid is one of the kindest people I have ever known in my life. He hasn't ever, ever been one who is quick to judge. He truly gives EVERYONE a chance. He is friendly, well rounded, and humble which makes him lovable by everyone whom comes in contact with him. He has been this way, since he was just a little kid. I don't recall ever hearing anyone say a bad word about my little brother. He is so humble and treats everyone equally. I'm excited to see which direction Dedric takes his life and watch what he makes of himself. I feel like since he has graduated high school he is starting to discover who he really is. This is amazing for me to watch since most of us have only every known him as the talented football player who plays for Juab. He is blossoming in to a man who is expanding his interest and meeting new people. I am so proud of him and ALL the achievements he has made throughout his life. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him.
Deveny is my eight year younger sister, my only sister. I begged and begged my mom for a sister for 8 years. I wanted someone who wanted to be just like me. Someone who I could share clothes with, play with each other's hair, go shopping with, and do all those little things sisters do together. Deveny and I definitely do most of these "sisterly" things, but our relationship isn't your typical sister-sister relationship I wouldn't say. We are actually quite opposite when it comes to "girly things." I don't feel like she ever wanted to be just like her older sister, like I had imagined most little sisters do. And, for that I am actually very grateful. She has really grown over the past couple of years. She is her own beautiful person. She has had such a loving heart since she was just a little girl. She was constantly wanting hugs and kisses. Now, as she has become a young woman I count on her for a lot of things. She is my right hand gal when it comes to my kiddos. She never hesitates when I ask her to come sit with them while I run to the store or simply shower. She'll frequently come to visit just because of the loving person she is. I am very proud of the person she has become. She had learned if she wants something bad enough she can make it happen with some hard work. This inspires me!
I really do owe I lot to my siblings. I feel so blessed to have always had such a close, deep, unique relationship with each and every one of them. They all bring such joy and happiness in to my life in their own special way. I cherish their friendships and value their love. I know they all have my back, through the thickest of the tough times, and even more importantly, I know they're only a phone call or short drive away when I need a good laugh with a trusted friend. I hope they always know how much I truly love them. I would do absolutely anything for any one of them. Forever. My longest, closest, best of friends I will ever have are my siblings.
