Shout out to my "2nd family"

I love that I even have one.
And I was reminded how much I love them tonight...

I don't remember when it started or became "official". There were no adoption proceedings or anything. But, about 10 years ago, when I got my first job at Deseret Book (making $12 an hour...part time...no benefits), my mom's sister, Carol, graciously let me move in (to my cousin Joey's "Star Wars" wallpaper front bedroom). I was there for nearly a year. It was SUCH a blessing, for so many reasons.

The first blessing was being around to watch my cousin Stephanie finish up high school. Over the years, Steph became like a little sister I never got to have. I adore that girl. And nothing was more fun, last year, than watching her go for elation to heartbreak to elation when she dated, broke up with, then got engaged and married to Scott (I just knew it, too. I KNEW her story would end up that happy!). Scott's the kind of guy you always hope you'll end up with. That girl got a catch and a half. And since she's like my sister, that makes this catch and a half like my brother-in-law. I heart Scott.

The second blessing was getting another brother. Joey was like the "cool kid" in school that could intimidate the heck out of you just because he's so cool. But, in addition to being cool, he has this ridiculously big & good heart and I knew that we'd eventually be good friends. But I couldn't imagine then that he'd ever be "smart" enough to get the girl he really deserved to be with and one that I would like so much. He found that girl in Rhonda. Sometimes I secretly go to their house for dinner (and a good Wii tennis game...sorry, Michelle & Steph, our secret is out. Oh, alright. We've only done it once.). They are one of those couples that make you wish you were a couple.

The third blessing was getting a 2nd set of parents. Really. Carol has, on more than one occasion, been a surrogate mother. She's cried with me and laughed with me and gotten excited with me. She is good. And Joe always treats me like a daughter, complete with the "welcome hug & kiss". He makes me feel like it's a great thing for me to be with the family. I'm invited for every holiday (even when I can't always make it) and included in all the family stuff. I'm so blessed by them.

And the extra blessing is Michelle & family. She's the mother of Kenzie and there is a reason Kenzie is so good. Michelle & Jimmy seem to have the perfect marriage. I know they don't (or DO they) because there really isn't any such thing (or IS there?) but they are best friends and I love watching them. Jimmy is a good egg...one of the highest compliments I can ever pay an individual. I always wanted to be friends with Michelle (she was one of the "older cousins", though not much older than me!) and now I love feeling like she is my sister.

My 2nd family has a dog too.
I don't much like big housedogs.
It's no secret.
But, if I DID like dogs, I'd be grateful to know Lady too. (grin)

BTW, I spoke tonight at a "Standards Night" for young men & young women. I haven't spoken to a group that included YM for 4 years. It was during one of the lowest points of my life and it was a DISASTER (I'm sure those two things were connected). I swore I'd never speak to a combined group again.
I did tonight.
I loved the experience.
That old voice? Yeah, if it was gone tonight, it's gone forever.

LYFSGUD.
Really really really good.