Memories

Today is our 17th wedding anniversary.  For those celebrating their 30th or 40th this may still feel like young love, but for some reason this year has just hit me how long we have been together.  This fact led me to some reminiscing this morning and then I was cleaning out a cabinet and came across old school notes from as far back as 7th grade.  It made me realize how many people have been a part of making me who I am.  While we are all unique I feel like we are the sum of all sorts of small connections and interactions that we've had over the years.  While I sometimes look back on some of the parts or decisions of my life with some sadness or regret I'm thankful for them all as they have made me who I am.

I can sometimes laugh at myself for the "depth" of my emotion - my "emo" tendencies so to speak, my tendency to sit and reminisce like this morning, but I'm also crazy, goofy, dance around the house, smile for no reason, accept everyone for who they are, splash in the sand and ocean, climb a rock wall, push to win, hold a baby tight, pieces of all my friends, family, and acquaintances.

Some of you have been more briefly in my life than others, some stronger influences, but I am me because of you.

Thanks to Billie, Krissta (KAB), Missy, Whitney, Callie, Heather, Lisa, Michael, Justin, Jayson, Ted,
Joshua, Kelly, Blaine, Laramy, Lorinda, Chelsea, Jessi, Cindy, Doug, Letha, Lincoln, Sally, Bill, Jenny, Tina, Randy, Doug, Tessa, Connie, Pat, Eddie, Ronald, Mia, Ricky, Rindy, Lou Ann, Harold, Dianna, Shawn, Shanna, Chad, Ryan, Jenny, Dallin, Karissa, Devin, Tina, Kat, Connie, Streator, Stacy, Stephanie, Scott, Nick, Mike and Megan, Phong, Cameo, Mike, Russ and Jessica, Tisha and Dave, Ross and Eden, Mike, Leah, Mhari, Evan and Cheryl, Lauren and Gordan, Jessica and James, Catherine and Kent, Becca, Nathan, James, Tanner, Jeff and Gail, Diane and Corbin, Heidi and Lindsey, to all those I haven't mentioned but who filter through my thoughts and heart.

No matter where I go in life, no matter if our paths cross again, if we keep in touch a little, a lot, or not at all - - You are all in my heart and soul as pieces of who I am
Thank you for all you've done, for your love, your personalities, your uniqueness, your connection.


To the human family - to all those that I've met and all those I've yet to meet
Love and Thanks

To my husband who will share this journey with me in a capacity and duration that no one else can match, I love you not just for all the good, but for all - all we have been through, all we will yet go through, all that has shaped us and made us who we are, may we continue through the refiners fire to become all we are capable of

Nisha