Thinking of Jeff...

Today I went to a wedding.... it was beautiful in every way.

Like every other girl, I LOVE weddings. The romance, food, colors, romance, flowers, romance, and every other detail!

I was privileged to be able to sing at this wedding. I sang "I Will be Here." A song I learned many years ago.

I didn't realize until this evening, that it was exactly six years ago today, that I sang this same song to Jeff and Red Gieseke. That day will always be close to my heart.

Our family friend, Jeff, had asked my dad to be his best man, and me his flower girl in his upcoming wedding. He also wanted me to sing at the wedding.... Oh, and, by the way, his wedding was going to be in the Philippines! Yes, my parents and I were going to the Philippines together!

As a thirteen year old, nothing in the world could have made me happier!

I went through song after song, trying to find the perfect choice for Jeff and his bride. Finally I found "I Will Be Here." I chose the song because at the time Jeff was deployed with the military. I practiced the song time and time again throughout those months. Each time I sang it, I would sing it directly to Red and Jeff's picture.... this song was for them.

When we finally made it to the Philippines, I knew that song inside, outside, upside and downside! We had the most amazing time on that trip, It was an experience that I will never forget. I do believe that the island of Boracay is the closest that we, as humans can get to heaven. I think that when God created the earth... He created that island to give us a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

When I sang at Jeff and Red's wedding, six years ago... the last thing in the world I would have imagined would have been what happened this year.

Our dear friend, Jeff, passed away very suddenly.

After months of knowing this, writing those words brings back a wave of amazement... is it really true?

I have never felt my heart break into as many pieces as it did when I heard that sudden shocking news...

Jeff was amazing. He was the type of man who had lived through so much, you almost assumed that he would just live for ever.

Jeff was my friend, buddy, partner in crime, water target, as well as being an adult.

Jeff had spent the years following his marriage with his wonderful wife, Red, and their beautiful little girl, Maddie.

Jeff left a legacy of love and laughter. He had a way of bringing laughter and fun into whatever situation he walked into. He brought more joy to more people than one man should be allowed.

This day brings back many memories. Memories of the times he flew from California all the way to Idaho to attend my annual water gunfight/birthday party, or the time he dropped everything to help when my mom's sister died tragically. Most of all, this day reminds me of looking at Jeff next to his beautiful bride, and singing for him.

I miss, Jeff... so very much! He was one of a kind!

Although Jeff went to be with the Lord, his memories will always live on in our hearts.

To the Memories...

I wonder what type of old lady I will be someday. I can picture myself sitting with a cup of tea (Because I will always drink tea!) reminiscing the life of my youth.

I wonder what I will remember...

It may be the late night laughing episodes, water fights, or family times together. In the midst of all of my wacky memories, will always be those special times with the Lord and memories of God's guidance and unconditional love. There will be many memories packed into my old brain... many that are still yet to come.

As I look into the future ahead of me, it reminds me that I will not always be in this comfortable place that I sit in now. Only God knows where I will be in these next years of my life.

Back to my old lady thought... I do believe that there will be a few things in my life that my mind will always hold onto! A few memories that are too dear to my heart to ever be forgotten!

Life has a way of sending curves you were not expecting. In this last year, more has changed than I ever expected or dreamed.

Thankfully.... God is faithful! He has led and loved through it all! He will continue to hold me throughout the life that He has planned for me!

A few highlights from the year!

Taking FIRST in our volleyball tournament!

My best friend/sister's wedding!

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Becoming Cinderella for a couple of months!

Emily Rose Bickish! Making me into an aunt!

Latte's! They are a huge part of my life!

Here's to the memories!

Daddy's Girls!

It is a complete understatement to say that my dad is the best dad in the world. I know almost every child must think this about their dad, but I am completely unbiased (well... almost!) in saying that my dad is absolutely and positively AMAZING!!!!! My favorite story about my dad is from many years ago... I must have been barely three years old.

Every day my dad would tell his little girls how beautiful they are. Blushing we would snuggle closer and ask, "Who's prettiest, daddy?" He would smile and say that we were all equal in beauty. In our three, five, and six year old minds, we would gripe wondering when dad would really tell us who was the prettiest!

Finally, on a beautiful summer day, daddy had an announcement! He had finally decided who was the most beautiful girl! He had hung a picture of her in the back of our precious playhouse. Off we ran... racing to see who's picture would look back at us. As be piled into the little house, we stopped short as we saw a huge mirror with all of our faces laughing back! We stopped asking who was the most beautiful, because we all knew that daddy thought we were all the prettiest!

Silly as this memory may be, I will always treasure it! I am so thankful for my dad! I really would be a mess without him! He is there for me every day, loving, protecting, laughing... he is my hero! I love you, dad!

My 16th birthday date!

Dad's Girls!