A Tribute to My Siblings

I was driving to school the other day, thinking about my sisters and brother and wondering what they think of me, the life that I have and how it has turned out. I was hoping that they weren't disappointed in me, wishing that they were proud of me and it was then that I realized how much I love them and how grateful I am for the influence and examples they have been to me. I began to think of each of them and how much I have learned from them and how I have been shaped from our experiences together, which then led me to remember some of the times that I loved the most with them, and things they have done to make me look up to them. So... Makayla, Travis, Kateka, this is to you. I hope you know I love you and I hope you're proud of me.

Makayla

I don't know how to express how much of an example you have been to me. I didn't realize it for the longest time and feel foolish for that. You have been encouraging me to be an artist for as long as I can remember. I know I often brushed off the idea and was determined to do something in mathmatics and am so grateful that you saw what I could be and helped me discover that.
I remember the first time that I went to Logan when you were in college and how you let me just tag along with you for a week to your classes. I loved them. I loved that you loved them. I loved how you had a passion for something you were learning. That it wasn't just something you had to do but something that you wanted to do. I know it was because of you that I decided to be a graphic designer. I also remember a time when you came home one weekend and were working on a drawing of yourself and let me sit next to you while you did it and let me use your drawing materials so that I could draw with you. That is one of my favorite memories to look back on. You showed me how to draw, and how to use charcoal, and I had so much fun doing it.
I love how you showed me to have fun and be silly. I loved the day when it was me and you at home and you took me away from whatever I was doing and dressed me up all crazy, with monster red lips and massive ratted hair.
Thank you for teaching me how to have boundries and not let people walk all over me. Thank you for being strong and letting me lean on you in hard times. I love you.

Travis

I couldn't have asked for a better brother. I think above anything else you have taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. No math problem, or obstacle can stand in my way with you holding my hand. There was one time on your mission that you wrote me and said that the universe were at my finger tips and all I needed was grab it. I feel like me and you are so similar in personality and have always felt such a strong connection with you because of that. I loved being the little brother that you never had. I loved that if you ever got a new CD it was always me that you would pull into your room so that we could lay there and listen to every song. And one Christmas Eve when me and you stayed up to the wee hours of the morning and played the Super Nintendo and then when we were pretty sure our presents were out we took your flashlight and shinned it over the banister to look at our piles of presents. I love that every now and then just me and you will go to a movie. I look forward to times when we can do it again. I have always loved hanging out with you and still do.
I love that your always there. I know that if I ever need you for anything, anything at all you will jump at the chance to help. There was one time in high school, when mom was on some trip and I got really mad at Kateka and needed someone and you took me for a drive and talked me through everything while I cried on your shoulder. You have always been so nice to me and I don't think words can say how much I appreciate it. I love you Travie.

Kateka

I am pretty sure that me and you were supposed to be twins and then Heavenly Father realized that for some reason you needed to be older than me. Thank you for letting me always be your side-kick and hanging out with you and your cooler/older friends. I have loved always being with you, even if its only for a little. I miss you, I miss being with you as often as we were when we were little. Do you remember when I was mad because you were growing up? I still get a little mad over it. Too bad we can't stop that. I hate that we get so busy with everything and only get a phone call here and there. But I cherish them. I love talking to you.
I love that I can bring any problem to you, any crazy fit that I'm having and you have a way of making everything better. You can calm me down no matter the situation. I can think of a billion of examples when I have been in emotional, physical or spiritual termoil only to have you right there next to me helping to get me through it, like fights with AJ, getting in car accidents, getting the chicken pox, or my favorite getting a concusion and waking up to see you sitting there by the couch waiting for me to wake up so that we could play SPLAT. Doing what ever you could to make your little sister feel better. You still do that, and I love you so much for it and I don't think words can describe how grateful I am for it. Thank you for being you and always watching out for me along the way. I know that sometimes I haven't been very grateful for that and so I want you to know that I am eternally grateful for it. I love you so much.

To all three of you

Thank you for being spiritual giants and showing me that Heavenly Father is always there. Thank you for being such amazing examples with the lives you lead. I look up to you so much and words can't describe how much I love you and how grateful I am for you. Thank you for everything you have done for me, for teaching me, for loving me unconditionally. I love that I get to go through life with you as my best friends. Thank you, I love you.