Wedding Eve Sharing. . .

The night before the wedding there was a dinner for friends and family after which people were sharing their memories, thoughts, encouragements, etc. of Carrie and Greg. Every time I decided that I'd share next, I'd end up all teary eyed and just couldn't bring myself to talk, let alone break into tears in front of everyone. Later that night as I lay awake berating myself for not sharing I decided that I would do a delayed bit of sharing with Carrie and Greg through the blog, so here goes. It's nothing beautifully done, but just some thoughts and memories I wanted to share with them.

I started praying for a little sister around the age of 2. I figured that my parents had someone to share a room with, my brothers had each other, and that I really needed a little sister to share a room with, play with, etc. I prayed each night for 3 years before Carrie arrived, my personal answer to prayer. During my mom's pregnancy with Carrie my brothers had tried to convince me the baby would be a boy, I think my parents tried to prepare me for the possibility as well, but I would not be swayed, I just knew this was the little sister that I had prayed for. Carrie was all that I had dreamed of for a little sister. I helped take care of her, finally had someone to share a room with, play with etc. Carrie put up with a lot from me. I used to make worksheets that she'd have to complete when she came to the "school" where I was a teacher, I'd dress her up in funny outfits and pose for pictures to be used for ads for the magazine I was creating.When we moved back to the states it was driving her to and from gymnastics, walking the dog, and such that dominated our interactions, and later taking Russian lessons together. Then before I knew it she had moved to Russia with my folks and I didn't get to see much of my little sister for a period of time. Even through her difficult years there was a spark in Carrie that made our times together feel treasured, she always seemed wise beyond her years, was such a great listener, and asked the best questions to take conversations even deeper.
It has been so fun to watch Carrie blossom in the past couple of years during her relationship with Greg. Her spark has returned full force, and the treasure of her heart has grown. They both have a strong sense of adventure, but also take the time to proceed with thought and wisdom (well at least they use wisdom when it doesn't involve hiking in the middle of the night). They have handled their relationship so well I have no doubt that they will not be shattered by the storms of life, but will grow into a stronger unit when troubles arise. I'm so excited to see my baby sister all grown up and getting married. Looking at the woman that Carrie has become makes me admire and look up to my little sister. Take good care of her Greg!