My Mom
My mom is amazing. I don't know how else to describe it. She is strong in so many ways. She has taught me to be independent and assertive. To be loving and kind. She is smart, whenever I have a question, she's probably the first person I call for the answer. She is a great shopping buddy, who tries, (sometimes unsuccessfully) to get me out of my comfort zone. She is my best friend. Even though we are so much alike. I learned to keep house from her (which I may or may not do successfully), I learned that there is more than one way to do things and sometimes you have to think outside the box. I love all the things she teaches Libbi and all the fun times we have together. It's my mom's example that made me decide I wanted to teach. It's in my blood, I think. I have one sentence for her: Rite-aide on a Monday night....... There are times with her that I'll never forget and even though we don't always see eye to eye on things and we've had our share of disagreements, I wouldn't trade her as my mom or as my friend for the world. I know that not matter what, she's only a phone call away.
My Grandma Parrish
My Grandma Parrish has always been a source of strength for me. She is spiritual, she is thoughtful and she has many talents. As a child, there was nothing better than a new blanket from Grandma to cuddle under. Nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread in the kitchen or coming into the house for dinner on a Sunday afternoon. I spent many countless summer afternoons on the back porch. I loved to sit on the couch with her and read a pile of books. My Grandma is a firm believer that TV will ruin your brain and there fore we were not allowed to watch TV if there was sunshine outside or cousins to play with. TV was reserved for movies on Saturday nights. I learned to love some classics, Wizard of Oz, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, Sound of Music......and many others. My Grandma is the reason I wanted to become a nurse. She seemed so confident and so full of knowledge. She still is and I hope that she knows how much I love her and I'm so grateful for the things she has done for me and taught me and the example that she is. I hope that I'm able to teach Libbi a fraction of the things I've learned from my Grandma.
My Grandma Hjorth
I wish that I had spent more time getting to know my Grandma Hjorth. She was strong in so many ways. She was the first person I knew to be interested in Genealogy and my family history. She is one of the few people in the world who is able to call me Jessie. (Try it, I dare you, if you aren't on the list of 5 people allowed to call me that....) She was always so happy to have her family around her. She wanted to know who was there and when you were coming. You could always count on Grandma Hjorth to have corn flakes under the kitchen sink and Bob Barker and the Price is Right to accompany your breakfast. She loved to sit on the porch and watch us play in the front yard. From her, I learned the importance of keeping your family close and that they are the most important thing. I cherish the memories I have of her and I am so glad that Libbi was able to meet her before she joined Grandpa.
My Aunts
Each of my aunts brings something amazing to the table and it has impacted my life in one way or another. They have all helped prop me up at one time or another with their own experiences and knowledge. I want them to know that they each hold a special place in my heart and my life and I'm grateful to all the things you have shared with me and taught me. Thank you!
Kjerstin is such a strong, tough girl. She is stubborn as they come, but one of the most caring people you'll ever meet. We have definetly had our differences and our sibling fights, but she was usually my partner in crime and I loved getting to be her older sister. When she has children, she will be a great mom. I have many memories that include her as a major part of them. I'm so glad we are sisters and for many reasons, she is one of my best friends, even if we aren't always on the same page about things. Kjerstin, you are amazing and strong and full of life and things to come. Dan just compliments your character and I'm so glad you found him to be with you on your journey. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to be your sister.
There are so many things that I've learned from Carly. So many things she has taught me. Carly is extremely loving. She is always so happy and so excited to know what's going on in your life. I'm grateful to her for her example and for all the many things she has taught me about life and love and finding the happiness.
Jennifer
(Look how Little Libbi is! It's the only picture I had, apparently, we need more pictures of Gram!)
I've learned a lot from Jennifer. She has raised three children and done a great job. Jennifer is independent and is very caring. She is very thoughtful. I appreciate what she does for us, whether it's entertaining Libbi for a while so I can have a much needed mental break or finding fun things for Libbi. I am truly grateful for her example and her presence in our lives. I hope her daughter and granddaughter know that she is amazing. Thank you for sharing your son with me and for being such a great friend.
Ryanne
Ryanne was my best friend in Junior high. From her, I learned confidence. I learned to just smile and have fun and to be confident. Enjoy the moment and be assertive. Ryanne is full of life and adventure. I can see that is still part of her life and who she is. Whatever she is doing, she is doing to the fullest and I have always admired her confidence in life. I hope she knows how much I appreciate what she did for me as my best friend many years ago.
Shannon
Shannon was my best friend in High School. I loved her spunk. She was always full of energy and life and I'm so grateful we were friends. Shannon values friendships and when you are friends with her, you are life long friends. I wish that we had stayed close, but life came about and we went different directions. And though we've drifted apart, I value her friendship and memories I have of our crazy times in high school. I'm glad she decided I was worth getting to know our Sophomore year, because I don't know how I would have made it through high school without her. She helped me through some tough times and I'm so grateful that I had her to help me and to be my friend. She truly an amazing and beautiful person!
Jenna was my roommate in college, but she became my college best friend. As we moved away from college, she has become my "mommy" best friend. But she is more than a friend, she's also my cousin. Which just makes her legitimately my family. (I'd claim her anyway.) Jen is the one person I can tell anything too. She has helped me be the person I am today and we often share advice on our girls. I love that Libbi and Bailey have become best friends. It just makes it better to hang out. I know that whatever advice I'm going to get from her is sincere. Thanks Jen for always knowing exactly what I need to hear and for listening. I value our friendship and I appreciate all the things you have done for me.
These are just a few of the many women in my life who have helped me, taught me or supported me as I have gone through life. I want them each to know how much they mean to me and that I love them all.
Libbi
She is probably the greatest strength to me. She has taught me so much about myself and about life. I love to spend time with her as she learns and discovers new things. I am reminded that I'm the lucky one that she chose to be her mom. I wish she could stay my baby forever, but if she did that, I would miss seeing her grow and become a women. I look forward to each day with her as she grows. I hope that I'm teaching her all the things she needs to know. That I'm taking the important parts of the women above and passing them on to her. Libbi, you are my best friend, my daughter and my biggest strength.
These are just a few of the many women in my life who have helped me, taught me or supported me as I have gone through life. I want them each to know how much they mean to me and that I love them all.
