Because my mom is often worried about how little sleep I get she has
kindly offered to write a guest post so I could take a night off- well, not a night off, but a night off from blogging! We
have an amazing aunt (my mom’s sister) who is one of the most
giving people I know. She is endlessly thinking of each and every one of
our family members and sending gifts, cards, and words of
encouragement. There have been days where I have gotten more than one
card in the mail from her! Anyway, today my mom really wanted to bless
her by sharing a little bit about what her sister means to her. You will
see that Jamie and Jason (who have posted here before – just waiting on Dana now) got their way with words from my mom. I hope you
enjoy!
kindly offered to write a guest post so I could take a night off- well, not a night off, but a night off from blogging! We
have an amazing aunt (my mom’s sister) who is one of the most
giving people I know. She is endlessly thinking of each and every one of
our family members and sending gifts, cards, and words of
encouragement. There have been days where I have gotten more than one
card in the mail from her! Anyway, today my mom really wanted to bless
her by sharing a little bit about what her sister means to her. You will
see that Jamie and Jason (who have posted here before – just waiting on Dana now) got their way with words from my mom. I hope you
enjoy!
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My Mom and Aunt Jan
Greetings! This is Heidi, Jenni’s mom. I have helped Jenni and
Jason somewhat over the past few years with a few of the products for Dear Lillie. Or
at least in ‘my’ mind or imagination, I think I have…:)
However, last spring I took what I thought would be a short recess
from sewing, which has since stretched into a rather lonnnng intermission…:).
Needless to say, I felt I should contribute in some small (or as Jason might think), insignificant
way. Therefore, I thought I would fill in with a guest post, due to the fact that Jason is
no longer achieving the necessary quota for his devoted fans. Granted, my own writings
could never fulfill or even surpass the quips you all look forward to in his posts. I
readily concede to that without even pause for an argument- but for one reason only: My
post today is in honor of my sister.
from sewing, which has since stretched into a rather lonnnng intermission…:).
Needless to say, I felt I should contribute in some small (or as Jason might think), insignificant
way. Therefore, I thought I would fill in with a guest post, due to the fact that Jason is
no longer achieving the necessary quota for his devoted fans. Granted, my own writings
could never fulfill or even surpass the quips you all look forward to in his posts. I
readily concede to that without even pause for an argument- but for one reason only: My
post today is in honor of my sister.
No, today is not “National Sister’s Day”, which doesn’t occur
until the 4th of August. If I were to wait until then, it would only delay my merry little
fingers in lending Jenni a day off from composing, designing, editing, etc. Today, rather, is a
way of defining what love is, as seen through my own eyes of my sister. It doesn’t
directly have a thing to do with Dear Lillie, yet her attributes aid in defining who we all are
as a family. Therefore, as I risk penning these musings to you under the guise it is in the
proximity of Valentine’s Day, I invite you to look into the ‘heart’ of what truly
matters.
until the 4th of August. If I were to wait until then, it would only delay my merry little
fingers in lending Jenni a day off from composing, designing, editing, etc. Today, rather, is a
way of defining what love is, as seen through my own eyes of my sister. It doesn’t
directly have a thing to do with Dear Lillie, yet her attributes aid in defining who we all are
as a family. Therefore, as I risk penning these musings to you under the guise it is in the
proximity of Valentine’s Day, I invite you to look into the ‘heart’ of what truly
matters.
My sister Jan is three years older than I am. Do we necessarily
agree on everything all the time? No. What fun would that be? Did we ever squabble while
growing up? Yes, of course we did! We would never deny ourselves such rights of
passage. Oh, but we did share some glorious times together, such as proudly creating our
very own “Monkees’ Fan Club”, sharing our love for the Maine seacoast and dreaming of
living there one day, even blending our learning experiences as Jan taught me
how to read at the ripe old age of four! We still share in our laughter together at all the
wrong and inappropriate times and places. Countless memories have been born from our 50+
years of sisterhood. However, behind those recollections there are gems that have given
me far greater joy:
agree on everything all the time? No. What fun would that be? Did we ever squabble while
growing up? Yes, of course we did! We would never deny ourselves such rights of
passage. Oh, but we did share some glorious times together, such as proudly creating our
very own “Monkees’ Fan Club”, sharing our love for the Maine seacoast and dreaming of
living there one day, even blending our learning experiences as Jan taught me
how to read at the ripe old age of four! We still share in our laughter together at all the
wrong and inappropriate times and places. Countless memories have been born from our 50+
years of sisterhood. However, behind those recollections there are gems that have given
me far greater joy:
JAN
You were always bold and daring,
while I was timid and shy.
You were the first to show me
Jesus
as you blazed your path toward Him.
Cautiously, I followed after you.
You were the first to show me
the power of prayer.
Tentatively, I followed your lead.
You were the first to show me
the road of suffering
when struck with tragedy so young,
as you passed through the waters, walked through the fire.
I tiptoed after you.
You were the first to show me
true courage and perseverance,
when you were almost taken from us too soon.
Pressing on, I followed your trail.
You are a giver, an inspirer, and an
encourager.
So today, I thank you for your love, your gift of giving,
your acts of
courage, and your daily trust in whatever lies ahead of
you.
you.
May I ever be so honored to follow in your footsteps.
Heidi
Oh, what a beautiful post and tribute to your aunt! Great way to start my day. Thank you.
What a beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes. Having a sister is truly a blessing.
There is no better friend than a sister… beautifully written Heidi. Tears of joy! Truly thank you.
That is such a lovely and moving tribute. Every day should be National Sister's Day. My life wouldn't be complete without my amazing sisters, and it sounds like yours is equally blessed.
Btw, "Monkees Fan Club" made me giggle 🙂
What a lovely post! We all need to be reminded of what truly matters. Whether sisters, mothers, daughters…..these women in our life need to be reminded of why we love them so!
What a moving post this is, you can truly feel the love between you two. How lucky to have such a special relationship with your sister. I'm all for more post from you Heidi!
Thank you for your wonderful post, Heidi. Beautiful words for your sister !!
Beautiful post. You write so well! I really hope you will write again.
Love this post. Just beautiful.. I invite you to stop by my blog as well.. I am not sure if you have ever visited ..WOULD love it .. The Rusty Pearl.. WE love your blog…………..HUGS
What a beautiful post Heidi and a lovely way to honor your sister. You have such a warm, caring and loving family…not to mention you all are amazingly creative and talented! Family is so important and I can tell you all are a close knit one and treasure one another. That is so special.
So glad to read your lovely post today. I was an only child and have always wanted a sister. You two are very blessed to have one another. lin
Dear Heidi,
That was so beautiful, I have tears running down my cheeks.
So glad you guest blogged. I think Jenni may lose her spot.
Just kidding.
Big hugs to you all!
O, Jenni,I mean, Heidi, your words are so beautiful! 1st of all, thank you, I had the tears running down my face. And secondly, you've got to be kidding! You are the ONE I should be writing about! ( but along with you and your kids, the writing talent is yours! My feelings are more kept in the heart!) Love you ! And even though I keep up or try to with Jenni's awesome blog, it was our cousin, Nancy, who lives in San Antonio that told me about this latest blog! I love you, sister! xox
Beautifully written, Aunt Heidi! Thank you for sharing this with us. Aunt Jan is truly a blessing to so many people!
I am lucky enough to call Heidi and jan my cousins. Although we rarely see each other they are always in my thoughts and Prayers. – Emily
I am able to echo Emily's words. I am lucky enough to call Heidi my bride. As always Heidi has an amazing way of bringing out and verbalizing what we all feel about Jan! Big Woody
Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing with all of us rather than just making a special card for Jan. You have a gift with words which is truly appreciated and admired by those of us who hold everything inside.
Very interesting blog, thanks for this nice sharing…!!