Last Thanksgiving I found out I was going to be an auntie and I cried tears of joy. I was finally able to experience what it was like to love completely a little stranger that I now proudly call my nephew. I can't speak of him without smiling. I can't look at a picture without unbelief that he is a part of our family. Even though he was adopted and none of my family got to experience his birth, it's not possible to love him any more than we do had he been our own flesh and blood. We had waited so long for his arrival but God's timing is perfect. He knew when we'd be ready and He knew which little guy would be a perfect fit for us.
Nicolas was born November 16, 2011 (6 weeks premature), my brother and his wife received the news that they'd be parents on November 24, 2011, and they brought Nico home on November 27, 2011. His adoption was final the end of August and we couldn't be happier. Auntie's little man turned 1 year old last week and was able to celebrate in Peru with my sister-in-law's family. The Arizona family gets to celebrate with him this Saturday. I wish I could be there to see how much he's grown and to play with him before I get to decrepit to get on the floor with him. I will have to wait until Christmas when Sara and I fly out to celebrate with the family. I can't wait!
This Thanksgiving I learned that my best friend's mother had a massive stroke and passed away Wednesday afternoon and I cried tears of sorrow. My heart hurts for him and his family. Jeff has gone through so many trials in his life and it seems much more in the past few years. His strength amazes me and I'm pretty sure he gets it from his mom.
Jeff's mom, Louise, was a beautiful soul. She had a huge heart and loved so many people...and animals. She was known for taking in strays and caring for them with all she had. Jeff is very much the same way. He hates to see animals or people in pain. I've known Jeff for about 15 years and he's always been there for me. I consider him a brother, part of my family. So you can understand how much it hurts for me to see him lose his mother.
Jeff, you're mother loved you so much and she was very proud of you. She handed down wonderful qualities to you that made you who you are today. The first time I met her, I could see you in her eyes. She was a blessing to the world and a blessing to all those that knew her. You, my friend, are a blessing as well. I don't know yet what it's like to lose a parent so I won't try to compare feelings. I do know that it hurts and I know that you probably have some conflicting feelings. I want you to know that I'm here to listen or be silent with you. I love you very much, brother.
"Mama I hope this makes you smile. I hope you're happy with my life, at peace with every choice I made, how I've changed along the way. 'Cause I know you believed in all of my dreams and I owe it all to you, Mama." -Il Divo
In honor of Jeff and in memory of Mama Louise
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