i stumbled on these pics,

and they made me smile and cry.

it is hard to believe that this life ever existed,

that that was really me.

i smile because it did in fact exist,

and i cry because it passed too quickly,

and i cry that so many of the characteristics of that time have been lost over the years,

so much of what it could've been was destroyed.

i can't help but long for knowing how things could've turned out differently had we all been raised together.

i smile because there is an element of that childhood that has never gone away.

we still have each other,

and regardless of how sibling relationships grow & change,

these relationships have remained the very best of my relationships.

i am thankful to have always had a sister who is so level headed & grounded,

and i'm thankful to have a sister who is so fun & easy to be with,

and i'm thankful for a brother who has always given me ideas & inspiration.

i'm thankful that no matter where we all end up we are still a priority to each other.

i'm thankful to know that our lives will always be so intertwined,

and i'm thankful that's how it has always been.