"Ain't it Beautiful How Life Turned Out..."

tonight's playlist:

When A Heart Breaks by Ben Rector

If These Walls Could Speak by Sean McConnell

A Place Only You Can Go - Needtobreathe

       My apologies for the lack of writing. Life has become a bit of a hurricane, but thankfully it has been an amazing and beautiful journey. In the past few weeks I have experience the low lows, but most importantly the high highs. Doors were closed, but windows were opened. and Wednesday marked my favorite time of the year, Lent. Like last year, I have decided to give up social networks. except for this blog, of course. Over the course of this Lenten season I will be posting my thoughts and such on what this season really means to me. So I invite you to share with me the joys of this beautiful season. Tonight, I am in the comfort of my aunt and uncle's home. I have been babysitting my cousins for the night, but they would tackle me if they knew I call it babysitting so I shall refer to it as dude-sitting because after all, they are "my dudes." I thought it would be a nice change of pace if I wrote each of them a letter tonight. I hope you enjoy. 

Dear Spencer,
formally known as Charles Spencer Lowery. Personally, I think Spencer fits you like a new shoe. According to your what does your name mean? app, you are a dispenser of provisions. you laughed and said, "pffft, I don't give anything away. that thing lied." boy were you wrong. You give your smile, your love, and you genuinely care for others. We have been best buds for as long as I can remember. I have watched you grow up which is why I feel more like your big sister rather than your cousin. You are such a strong boy and I can't wait to see the man you become. Even though everything is "so stupid" to you right now, I see in you a person who has a craving for the world and everything in it. Ever since you were little, you were always curious of everything, and I like that. I want you to stay the boy you are. I want you to stay goofy and weird. and I want you to promise me you won't get to old to give me kisses and hugs. You are one amazing kid, Spence. I love you so much noodle.

Dear Avery,
formally known as George Avery Lowery. don't worry, I'll never call you George. Not even when we are old and grey. my dude. You have called me your dude-ett for as long as I can remember. You are one special soul. You are the strangest, most spastic kid I think I have ever met, but you show me what it means to be silly. sometimes I forget these things, but you never fail to bring the back out. not only do you have the coolest hearing aids ever (rainbow colored), but you are such a brave man. Life hasn't always been easy for you and I am so proud of how you handle yourself. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the way you say my name. Something about your voice just lets me know that I'm home and that any second you will come over to tackle me to the floor. and your laugh. it fills the room with brightness and joy. and your ability to laugh at everything makes me want to laugh along with you. like tonight at the dinner table. I couldn't tell you what was so funny, but whatever it was had you rolling on the floor and the room broke out into laughter. You are going to be quite the man when you grow up and I hope your sense of humor never leaves you. love you till forever.

here's to family. here's to lent. 

and here's to springtime. 

may it bring new beginnings for your soul.

-em