my favorite person

We go through many stages in life. There are different times in our lives when different people are included. When we grow up, we sometimes don't always end up with the same friends we had as children. Having the same friends as an adult, that you had when you were a child is a rare thing. Even though it is a sad thought, we grow up - and the closeness we share with some, fades away.

I am very lucky girl. My favorite person in the world has been one of my best friends for as long as I can remember. My brother and I have remained so close over the years. When I think who I know the best, who can cheer me up with a single facial expression, and who I consider my favorite person in the world - the answer is always the same. Nick. Our lives have changed dramatically. We have grown up, gone on our own paths, and still remain such close friends. I don't know anyone else who understands me, can make me laugh, or love me unconditionally as Nick can. He truly is one in a million in my eyes.

A wonderful thing happened this past Saturday. I saw my favorite person the happiest I have ever seen him. Now one of the things I like the best about our relationship, is the fact that we can read each other really well. We can tell everything we need to just by the other's facial expression. For example, I can always tell when Nick is trying to fool me because he has on his "lying face". I can also tell when Nick is actually mad, and not just being quiet. His being quiet face and angry face are quite different. It's all in the eyes. And of course, I can always tell when Nick is happy. Nick has this adorable little grin that I will call his giddy grin. He has worn this grin so much since Richelle came into his life. I could tell right away that she was different and wonderful just by Nick's grin that he always wore when she spoke, looked at him, or just walked into the room. He lights up when she comes in the room. And in turn, so does she. Even though I have only known her over a year, I am starting to pick up on her facial expressions as well.

This Saturday was their wedding. I am so glad that I was a part of this special day. It was wonderful. The ceremony was beautiful! We all had such a great time.

Before I start in on telling you about the ceremony, I will warn you that Nick and I are emotional people. I had been trying my hardest to hold back my happy tears all day. As the ushers opened those double doors, I started down the isle. I told myself to keep a smile on my face for the photographer and the guests. As the photographer snapped the picture and ducked away to let us down the isle a tender and very special moment happened for me. I flashed my eyes up and made direct eye contact with my brother. A pang hit in my chest and I could tell by his eyes that it did him as well. I know too well the little whimper sound that he made as I made it as well. I clenched my lips together, and was not able to contain it any longer. The tears formed. The best kind of tears. Happy tears. They came because when I looked at my brother at this moment and saw him waiting at the end of this isle, I remembered his journey up to this point. So many memories of what he went through to get here today flashed before my eyes. The main image that stayed in my head was of his giddy grin when he sees Richelle. And I knew at that very moment that true love exists and is worth waiting for. And I also thought to myself, no one deserves this happiness more than Nick! As I rounded the fountain and stood in my spot in the bridesmaid line, I looked to my right to see Nick looking at me. We shared a connection of emotion from a mere glance at each other. Our friendship is truly special. We can look at each other and say it all. With my eyes I was saying 'I love you bubby.' And with his he was saying 'I love you sis.' I knew this at that moment and will remember it forever.

I wanted to also share with you the words that I wrote and read during Nick and Richelle's wedding ceremony. I wrote this from the heart, and made it completely about them. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to read in front of a crowd. I only choked up twice, and both were when I looked at Nick. I love you Nick and Richelle! I couldn't be happier for you both! And I look forward to sharing our lives together as a family for the rest of our days!

On a very unsuspecting evening, everything changed for two people. From the moment he saw her smile, he realized he would do anything to see it again. The first time she heard him laugh, she tried to think of a joke just to hear it once more. After just mere hours together, they both knew that this was something more than just a meeting of chance. Days turned to weeks, and weeks into months together. Before either of them knew it, their friendship had turned into the deepest love imaginable. Time apart broke their hearts, and time together completed them. They found themselves to be the missing pieces of each others’ heart. The only thing left was to become a family. And when each met the other’s family, they all discovered that these two together completed our families as well. All of their friends can see the love they share in the way they look at each other. The Lord brought these two together.

Once in a lifetime we meet someone who changes everything. And they wanted to change everything for the rest of their lives.

Because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to begin as soon as possible.