They are a wonder.

If you have so kindly chosen to come inside and unwind at this blog address today, know that this is a reflection and appreciation day. For no particular reason, than just "because." I want to proclaim to all intently reading, that my two siblings and I have been generously blessed with a mother and father that can only be described as indescribable, cliche yes, I agree. Nevertheless, I will attempt to expand upon this claim, while completely aware that letters and words could never grant them any reasonable amount of justice. When uninvited doubts show up at the door of my faith, when presenting requests to the Father evolve into screams and demands for reason or purpose, the only solace that I've succeeded in finding is the thought of my two best friends.

As a child, did you ever ask yourself what we all look like up there in heaven before our time on earth? Floating around, waiting for our turn to be sent down, or does he create our hearts in our mother's womb? These were wonders plaguing my head throughout my younger years. How exciting to have these questions answered, one day. Yet, to some degree, I no longer need them answered. The proof is within the bond. His wonder and Glory never cease to electrify my spirits. He created a perfect puzzle piece to finish that jigsaw those two were looking to complete. Through the battles, the roller coasters, the pain we thought would never cease, has bloomed a stronghold and fortress to envy.

A mere thought of him and the unrelenting sacrifices he has made to give us the things we not only need, but wanted, always prevails at tugging my grateful heart. I'm realizing the power of that love as I write this sentence down. The selflessness it takes to program a body to function on something that resembles sleep deprivation, but to call it that would be an injustice on many accounts. It would not enable one to grasp that he never fell asleep at night. No, falling would imply that it was something he allowed himself and willingly chose to do. He surrendered to sleep, but only after a stubbornly-fought battle and because his body demanded that ransom. The long nights away from his three children and the insanely miraculous woman he hand-picked to share his life with. The restless nights over that foreign characteristic "laziness" his three had seemed to pick up with ease. The countless notes written on anything he could get those hands on to not only improve himself, but the lucky souls he put before him. The model of healthy mind, soul and body he has consistently shown us. In times of peril, through shattered bones, broken heart, and wilted spirit, his recoveries are swift and inspiring, a gift to all who are fortunate enough to witness the triumph. Always there to lend an ear, to mentor and to lift up. To follow in those footsteps an incredible, yet exciting challenge. These few things, a handful of ways that I've discovered my father's love. It spills forth from every move he makes, he is all that I look to for strength, guidance and wisdom. A better man there is none, I only pray he can believe it himself.

If he is unable, there is no doubt, she subscribes to this belief and receives it, daily.

To describe her is something I've always struggled to do. When one is absent from her presence, she stays with you, as if her spirit and laughter is tattooed on your skin somewhere, but you can't seem to find it. This, in turn, has continually hindered my explanation of her. I tend to re-enact encounters and conversation with her in a tone as ever so bubbly and sassy, this is a horrible injustice. She is brimming with God's love and life, thrives on spontaneity, yet owns all rights to the word "grace" within her patience and faith. A harsh word, we have found, has yet to free itself from the confines of her beautiful lips, if imprisoned there, at all. In the game of life, can one be absent from the defensive, or...offensive? She has ever-so strategically won as a song-leader on that sideline. I'm always bargaining with God to grant me more of what she has clearly mastered; the entire reason Eve was created. Humble servant to the Lord, devoted partner to husband and life-force to children. An instantaneous impact on any soul in contact with her is without question. Always a crowd-favorite, her fans they are a plenty. From family to friends, to significant others, she has held numbers of hearts and taken gazes for prisoner. She is all that I cherish and strive to resemble. If only SHE would hear that.

If she is deaf to these things, I know he can aid her and will continue for life.


I say these things as the tears rain down my gracious cheeks and flood my thankful mouth. To the two that made us three, may you know my devotion is endless, I cry in overwhelming response to His mercy and kindness.