Letters To My Inspiration
Dad -
You have such an incredible respect for everyone and everything in this world. Growing up helping you out with so many different things, both indoors and out, showed me how to go about life treating everything in this world with respect, and that nothing can be taken without giving even more in return.
Mom -
You always pushed me to do and experience everything I can. Even when I didn't want to try something new, you reminded me there's always something to be gained. You never stopped encouraging me to follow my dreams wherever they may take me, and to never regret where I have been, because EVERYTHING happens for a reason.
Josh -
You and Mitch have both been in my life for so long I barely remember life before you. I am so lucky to call you my brothers. You, Josh, are the kindest person I know, someone who would truly go out of their way to help any friend or stranger without question. There are not enough people in this world like you. If I could help out even a fraction of the amount of people you do, I would consider myself a saint.
Teisha -
You're crazy sense of humour and you're inability to act your age at times not only provide me with entertainment and happiness, but are wonderful reminders that it truly doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks, as long as I'm having fun and doing what I love. Also to NEVER take life too seriously.
Mitch -
You went to school for engineering WHILE having a job AND starting and raising a family. Enough. Said. Most people don't even work part-time while doing engineering, and you're now closer than ever to your dream job and have an amazing family behind you all the way. You are the definition of hard work pays off leaving me with no excuse to work any less than my hardest every day.
Jessica -
You are the most open minded person I know. I never hesitate to come to you with a problem, because even if you don't have advise or a solution, I know you will listen with an open mind and won't judge me or anyone for our actions. You're not only amazing at supporting me when I'm down or need someone to talk to, you remind me to keep an open mind, because I will never know the full story.
Alexa -
You are the best big sister on the planet (other than mine of course). Beyond being an amazing big sister for Avery you are so motherly to everyone close to you. You take care of and protect the people most important in your life. Family and good friends are so valuable in this life, you remind me to do what I can to take care of them.
Maddox -
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. The things you build, draw and the stories you create are incredible. And you're always excited to share your new inventions with anyone who'll give you 2 seconds of their time. It reminds me to never be afraid of any new ideas I have and to never be afraid to share them (which is very difficult for me sometimes as an engineer).
Avery -
You are one of the most determined children I have ever met. You know exactly what you want and when you want it, and you'll do anything to get it (I know there's times your parents don't appreciate this very much, but I hope you keep it up.) You're fierceness may still be immature, as you yet have much to learn about life and what's truly important, but it doesn't fail to inspire me to keep fighting for what I want, no matter what it may take.
Grady -
Your mother always describes you as the sweetheart and boy is it true. It's nearly impossible to stay mad at you if you're acting out because you are always SO genuinely sorry for anything you did wrong. You just want to see the world happy. You remind me to always be sorry for any pain or struggles I may cause another, and if I can put even a small smile on at least one person's face every day then I'm doing my part.
Ada -
Skyping with you the other day made me realize how much of a personality you are starting to develop. You've learned to walk and you're talking now; you even knew to call me Lala. You are a wild child, and during this important time of learning and discovery for you, your craziness reminds me to never be afraid to try something new. Learning does not end with childhood, or when you earn a degree, but is a continuous process for the rest of your life. There is something new to be learned every day.
Baby Girl Cleveland -
You are the reason I am so homesick right now. Knowing you could come any day now and I won't be there for it brings tears to my eyes. Nonetheless, I cannot wait to meet you, even if it's only on Skype at first. I cannot wait to see what sort of person you develop in to and to see how you too will inspire me every day just like the rest of our family.
I miss you all more than words can say. While you're the only reason that makes it so hard for me to be here, you're also the only reason I have the courage to set out on this incredible adventure. For that I cannot thank you enough. Please never stop being your amazing selves.
You have such an incredible respect for everyone and everything in this world. Growing up helping you out with so many different things, both indoors and out, showed me how to go about life treating everything in this world with respect, and that nothing can be taken without giving even more in return.
Mom -
You always pushed me to do and experience everything I can. Even when I didn't want to try something new, you reminded me there's always something to be gained. You never stopped encouraging me to follow my dreams wherever they may take me, and to never regret where I have been, because EVERYTHING happens for a reason.
Josh -
You and Mitch have both been in my life for so long I barely remember life before you. I am so lucky to call you my brothers. You, Josh, are the kindest person I know, someone who would truly go out of their way to help any friend or stranger without question. There are not enough people in this world like you. If I could help out even a fraction of the amount of people you do, I would consider myself a saint.
Teisha -
You're crazy sense of humour and you're inability to act your age at times not only provide me with entertainment and happiness, but are wonderful reminders that it truly doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks, as long as I'm having fun and doing what I love. Also to NEVER take life too seriously.
Mitch -
You went to school for engineering WHILE having a job AND starting and raising a family. Enough. Said. Most people don't even work part-time while doing engineering, and you're now closer than ever to your dream job and have an amazing family behind you all the way. You are the definition of hard work pays off leaving me with no excuse to work any less than my hardest every day.
Jessica -
You are the most open minded person I know. I never hesitate to come to you with a problem, because even if you don't have advise or a solution, I know you will listen with an open mind and won't judge me or anyone for our actions. You're not only amazing at supporting me when I'm down or need someone to talk to, you remind me to keep an open mind, because I will never know the full story.
Alexa -
You are the best big sister on the planet (other than mine of course). Beyond being an amazing big sister for Avery you are so motherly to everyone close to you. You take care of and protect the people most important in your life. Family and good friends are so valuable in this life, you remind me to do what I can to take care of them.
Maddox -
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. The things you build, draw and the stories you create are incredible. And you're always excited to share your new inventions with anyone who'll give you 2 seconds of their time. It reminds me to never be afraid of any new ideas I have and to never be afraid to share them (which is very difficult for me sometimes as an engineer).
Avery -
You are one of the most determined children I have ever met. You know exactly what you want and when you want it, and you'll do anything to get it (I know there's times your parents don't appreciate this very much, but I hope you keep it up.) You're fierceness may still be immature, as you yet have much to learn about life and what's truly important, but it doesn't fail to inspire me to keep fighting for what I want, no matter what it may take.
Grady -
Your mother always describes you as the sweetheart and boy is it true. It's nearly impossible to stay mad at you if you're acting out because you are always SO genuinely sorry for anything you did wrong. You just want to see the world happy. You remind me to always be sorry for any pain or struggles I may cause another, and if I can put even a small smile on at least one person's face every day then I'm doing my part.
Ada -
Skyping with you the other day made me realize how much of a personality you are starting to develop. You've learned to walk and you're talking now; you even knew to call me Lala. You are a wild child, and during this important time of learning and discovery for you, your craziness reminds me to never be afraid to try something new. Learning does not end with childhood, or when you earn a degree, but is a continuous process for the rest of your life. There is something new to be learned every day.
Baby Girl Cleveland -
You are the reason I am so homesick right now. Knowing you could come any day now and I won't be there for it brings tears to my eyes. Nonetheless, I cannot wait to meet you, even if it's only on Skype at first. I cannot wait to see what sort of person you develop in to and to see how you too will inspire me every day just like the rest of our family.
I miss you all more than words can say. While you're the only reason that makes it so hard for me to be here, you're also the only reason I have the courage to set out on this incredible adventure. For that I cannot thank you enough. Please never stop being your amazing selves.
Comments
Thank you so much for this post and for making me super cry at work. Even though you are on the other side of the world you still manage to touch the lives of people here at home. YOU my dear youngest sister are an inspiration to me and to the many people you have rooting you on and I admire your strength and courage that it took to move eleventybillion miles away from home. You took your life by the balls and didn't let anything stand in your way and I hope you continue to dream big and kick ass at life.
Love you long time!