Thoughts #26 - Niece

I have one brother (along with two sisters-in-laws, a brother-in-law, two step-brothers and one step-sister.)  The one that I grew up with, that I looked up to, that came from my mother and my father, that is one of the most ethical and genuine people I know, well, that is my brother.  He has a wife; they have 3 kids and one dog.  Their family is kinda close to perfect.  I know, I know.  No family is perfect.  But, there's is close.  But, this blog entry is not about them.  It is about my #1 niece, Jacy.

Jacy is eighteen.  Jacy is a Senior in high school.  An American tradition for high school seniors is to get senior pictures taken.  A group of photos that personify you at that time of your life...leaving high school...facing your future all wrapped up in a collage of several outfit changes.

Oh, you want to see a sample of my Senior Pics?  Why, sure.....

Enough of me...this blog entry is about Jacy.  Well, it's about me, and it's about Jacy.  There are times that I'm reminded of how far away I live from home.  Yes, I've made a home here.  I'm very happy with my guy, our partnership, our family, and our home.  But, I miss my loved ones a lot too.  Today was one of those days that I was reminded of that.  Jacy's photographer posted a sample of Jacy's pictures on her blog. I was filled with emotion as I looked at the pictures.

Canon Creek Photography

Jacy was twelve when I moved to Australia.  She's eighteen now.  Jacy looked like a little girl with pretty curls when I left.  She now looks like a young woman.  (The pretty curls are still there.)  I've missed some really important, life-changing years for Jacy.  I used to be around them a lot.  If I had lived in Texas the last six years, I would have been there for Homecomings and Proms, birthdays and holidays.  I have made a point to make my visits count.  We shared a family vacation to Florida.  I was there for a Sadie Hawkins dance and her 18th birthday.  We even shared a really special conversation where she (the teenager) consoled me (the adult) reinforcing the fact that it is okay that I never had children of my own.

Jacy is a strong girl whose beauty radiates.  Physically, she is beautiful.  Internally, she is even more beautiful.  She is carrying on the family legacy and attending Texas A&M University in the fall (3rd generation Aggie).  And, I am so excited that I get to be there when she walks across the stage to accept her high school diploma.  I am proud of the young woman that she has become.  I can't take credit for that - her parents and her relationship with God deserve all that credit.  But, I hope she holds a special place for me in her heart the way I do her.  I love her.  She is one special girl, and I am honored to be her aunt.  OK...I'm crying again!