This picture says it all. While no one likes having their picture taken while they are crying, (sorry Amy) I love what I see when I look at it. This picture captures how I felt the day my sister left me. And even though you can't see my face, I had my super ugly cry going on, and my heart was sad.
I whispered in her ear I loved her, and asked her not to go. For those who don't know, my sister is married to a military man, and therefore have not, nor will not live in Utah probably ever again. They come and visit about once a year, and even then it usually is only for a week. A week! And in that week they are so busy with other things that it flies by and I feel like it never really happened. It has been YEARS, (seriously, years and years!) since I have seen my sister and really spent time with her for more than 5 days. And just to my amazing luck and incredible blessings from the Lord, she and her kids came and stayed for almost 3 weeks while their house in Texas is being built.
And you know what happened in those 3 weeks? Everything I could have ever hoped for. Sure, we ain't perfect and we probably bickered, and got annoyed or bugged at some point with each other. We are as opposite as can be, but also so similar. It's the best that way! But I kept thinking to myself while she was here: "So THIS is what it feels like! My very own sister here! To spend time and hang out and really get to know each other as sisters, as mothers, as friends, and to see our kids become best friends. Wow....!" A wonderful bond was strengthened and she became all over again one of my best friends. While she was here, I couldn't help but think about my husband and his family. Out of 7 kids, soon to be 5 will all live here in Utah. Can you imagine? What a blessing! They have multiple people to be able to hang out with, and are close in their relationships. They always, always have someone from their very own family nearby. And for that, I often am envious bc I only have 2 siblings, and the one who is my best friend (and only sister) doesn't live here. And even though my parents live here, I actually don't see them very often at all. Work is a killer that way. I was telling Meags that I have spent so much time with other peoples families, that I forgot how it was to spend time with my very own. It was healing and comforting for my soul, and it hurts to have it so little. But the Lord strengthens me.
I went over to see her at my parents house almost every single day. I had to soak up the time with her and the two kids Emmy and Cooper. Now don't get me wrong, Skype is amazing and a life savor, but I have never really gotten to know all of them through a computer screen. There is no seeing them in lots of different situations, or have physical touch or hours spent. So this was such a blessing to understand more about my niece and nephew and see their delightful personalities. Wa'a fell in LOVE with them. And they with him! The bond they forged and the such fun way they played together and loved on each other was so great. Every single day, ( I kid you not. And he STILL does this) he pointed to the door and said: "Come mama! Emmy! Auntie!! Papa! Go!" So off we went to visit and the giggles and hugs never stopped. He is so confused they aren't there when we go visit my mom and dad and calls out their names while searching the rooms. It's so sad, but sweet.
I guess I am going on and on about this and about them, because it meant so much to me to have them here. It almost never happens, and because my dream has always been to have my family closer (emotionally and physically) this was so nice. A true blessing from a loving Heavenly Father. He knows my heart, and He knew this was timely and needed.
My sister and her family are now in Texas on their new adventure, and I miss them terribly. (cue teary eyes) Even Erwin said to me today how sad it was that they are gone and it feels like something is missing. Guess that means a visit is in order! And pronto!
Thanks for coming Anderson family! I sure love you guys.
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