Laura is Her Name

I just want to take a moment to talk about one of my sisters-in-law. 

Laura is her name.

Laura and my brother, Erik, were high school sweet hearts, and I remember when they started dating.
I was in grade 9 and totally immature.

Growing up, Erik was my buddy.

So when he started dating Laura, I was jealous.

 Jealous of his time spent with Laura

The fact that Laura was a blonde beauty and unbelievably kind didn't help, either.

She would bring our family all sorts of delicious confectioneries and homemade gifts.
To an immature and jealous 14-year-old, all I could think was :

Show Off

I couldn't believe that someone could be that nice without it being contrived.
How wrong I was.

Fast forward 12 years
and you will still find an equally kind and equally gorgeous blonde hanging out with my brother.
And what was once my initial aversion has become my incessant adoration.
Immaturity aside, I've come to learn this fact :

Laura is genuinely kind.

And here's proof :

This morning we received a "Family Fun 4 All" package from Erik and Laura!
Among other things, they sent us this handmade-by-Laura sock monster for Lily.

Her name is Jeta and Laura is fun and creative enough to include a little bio.

So fun, eh?

My favorite part, however, is this little heart stitched into Jeta's right bumb cheek.

Now, to demonstrate how thoughtful Laura is, I include photos of this most adorable purse she made especially for Gwen; complete with car keys, candy, lip balm, and play money.

Gwen of course loves it. Laura knew that she would as Gwen collected and played with all of Liv's little purses last week at Liv's birthday party.

Some people would quickly forget such a small thing amidst birthday fun.

But not Laura.

Now this is just one (and most recent) of the hundreds of act of love and service she has shown me.

Laura is a shining example to me of true Christ-like love.

 Thank you for teaching me what it means to be a sister and friend,

and for loving me despite my initial cold-shoulder.

Now all I want to do is to give you a warm hug

every time I see you.