I am up at 2:30 am with a headache that won’t let me sleep. An unfortunate part of my life, but at least I have some quiet time to think.
Today was one of my favorite days ever. All of my sisters (and my parents) were here to go through the temple with Kami, the “baby” of the family.
I’m not sure if it was the purpose of the occasion, or the fact that it’s been a while since we’ve all been together, but today I saw my sisters in a new (and brighter) light. Instead of seeing them as my little sisters, I looked around and saw a group of amazing women with strengths and talents that bless my life immensely.
Sarah-who I think could be called the mother of all living. She has seven children, goats, chickens, cats, dogs and acres full of trees, plants and vegetables. She is a true nurturer at heart, and has such a love for all living things. She is always the one that newcomers are drawn to, because she has a genuine love for people, and can immediately set them at ease.
Kathy-who we like to call superstar, because she is always so glamorous. Life has thrown her some trials that she certainly never anticipated, and every time it does, she continues to prove that she is stronger than the opposition. She is kind, non-judgmental and easy to talk to. Not to mention dang funny!
Theresa-who is my favorite partner for “talking business.” She is smart, highly-motivated, and one of the hardest workers I know. She doesn’t necessarily wear her heart on her sleeve, so to speak, but if you know her well, you know that she is kind, generous, and loyal.
Lindsey-who is always the life of the party. She has a real gift for storytelling, (wink), and keeps us all amused. She has the ability to “hang with any crowd,” and brightens up any room that she walks into. Whenever you’re with Lindsey, you feel good about yourself.
Kami-who may be the youngest, but we all look up to her. That girl knows where she is going, and is always working- full speed ahead- to get there. She is firm in her commitment to do what is right, without wavering, but without being critical of others. She has a huge heart, and a desire (and ability) to do good in this world.
We missed Brandon, my one and only brother. I know, I know… poor guy. He is the idol of all the little boys in the family. His soft spot for my children, of course, gives me a huge soft spot for him. Brandon is fun, fun, fun, with a hilarious sense of humor. He’s also sweet and sensitive and always looking out for the underdog.
It’s funny sometimes to see how seven people, all raised under the same roof, could turn out to be so very different. And yet we have some common bonds, and lots of inside jokes, that tie us tightly together. I am so grateful to be tied, eternally, to these amazing people.
That is a happy day! What a fun family you have! Family is wonderful!
ReplyDeletethis is michelle-used-to-be-stone-now-ross.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's time for me to come out of the "just looking, not commenting" closet and say an amen to your sister shout out! My growing up would have simply NOT been the same without the incredible alston sisters (including the beautiful, strong, grown up one on a mission when I first came into the picture!). And even though it's been too long since I've been in good contact with any of them, can I just say that you nailed their personalities to a tee. They are like a super star team of some sort--each with different strengths, and it all adds up to something so unique, not many people have been able to enjoy such a thing. I have always been grateful that I could be part of the club, if for only a little while in person.
please give them each my love from florida.
ps--tell theresa that I just cut my hair, trying for a "sarah jessica parker with short curly hair" look, and instead I ended up looking
just like 10-year-old theresa-with-a-fro in that HUGE family picture with the tree that used to hang in your living room. exact. same. haircut. totally awesome.
:) happy sabbath! now that you know I'm hear, post more sister pictures, please!
(and ps again...how great that you know my heather bigley! she's my favorite friend here in g'ville)
I'm so happy that we have such a diverse family. I sit and watch our kids watch their Aunts and Uncles. You can see their brains churn with new thoughts. The one thing they all have in common though is that life IS a musical. They don't realize they think it is, but it's just something they feel and learned from hanging around the Alston side of the family.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a special day Friday was for me too. You've really succeeded in describing special talents of each one. What a privilege to be of such a family. Mom
ReplyDeleteIt just occurred to me that you have missed mentioning the special talents of the oldest sister, Christi, who has always been a wonderful example to each of her 6 siblings and parents. A multi-talented, and capable daughter who has always instinctively known what is right and followed that path. I could go on and on, but I fear I may embarrass you since you have many readers. Mom
ReplyDeleteYou nailed our sisters for sure! I love this post! I am sooo thankful for my amazing family and feel very blessed to be a part of it! Although you forgot to mention the amazing sibling - Christi! Without you, I'm quite sure that our family would fall apart. You are always there when we need you and are a priceless example to all of us. Not to mention your witty sense of humor, always wise words, and love for fun activities. I love you sister!!
ReplyDeleteLove, the "baby" - Kami