Remembering Treasures

 

I was looking back on old emails this week. Sometimes I like to do that, to remember the past in different ways, through writing, from family memories, from fun, inspiring, funny threads between sisters. It shows the different and various seasons of our lives. It shows me where I was or experiencing, as well as my siblings, my family, as well as other events taking place. 

I especially have been enjoying looking back on certain years within these email threads. It's a sneak peek into that time, a time that was unique, so special and grace filled. They bring back a taste of memories for me, that are sweet, full of some newness, growing, learning and inspiration. I have particularly been looking and reading back on 2014. 

Spring, Summer 2014 had its own experiences, feelings and precious and quality times with my sisters. Maybe perhaps that's one of the reasons why I enjoy looking back? I haven't so much focused on my own story on that time, but most specifically my dear sister. Perhaps I think about her journey, her questioning, her discernment during that time. Isn't that what our 20's are mostly about? I find that she was discovering more about herself, actively pursuing what God was showing her day by day, and I had the privilege of watching it all- the rawness and difficult parts, uncertainty, her faithful witness and patient heart for God's plans to unfold.

 I look to her journey, her story, particularly during that unique time as a model for me, a profound and uplifting example! How blessed I am to have so many beautiful examples before me- sisters, siblings to showcase their journeys. 

This picture was from May 2014 in Santa Cruz. It was Memorial Day weekend, and it was her idea for my parents, our sister Susie and us to go to a relaxing place for the weekend! (She's always full of good, dreamy ideas:)). Though there was a long, never-ending string of traffic to get there, we made the best of it with conversation and fun music playing in the car. It was something new for us to do- a getaway trip for us on a holiday weekend. Those were the days when I would always wear leggings with shorts haha, and those sandals were my constant companion, and jewelry, even on a beach.

It was the cusp of summer, with much anticipation. I was graduating from Junior College and looking forward to what was ahead. I was getting more into and inspired with language learning (Chinese) and learning on my own. Library Science was something I was thinking about, preparing for as an option. Pinterest was a way to share ideas and inspiration among us sisters.  My dear sister and I would often find the inspiration seep through in our outings to coffee shops and study our languages with one another and chat, and just enjoy the elements of coffee brewing and light music playing in the background. We still enjoy and treasure our Starbucks outings. :)

I would be remiss not mentioning her wonderful, fun idea to host our first rosary bonfire night at our house. We put out an invitation on Facebook inviting friends and acquaintances. She got creative with the set up outside, and baking a chocolate cake, providing lemonade drinks, and her idea making our backyard inviting, and esthetically pleasing. That was the lead up to my sweet sister Susie and I taking after that initial bonfire gathering and doing the same for ministry events a few years later. 

These emails, memories give me a sense of encouragement, hope from those treasured days with sisters, laughs, growing up, fun outings and ideas. A lot of ideas, simple inspiration came through these emails. I can look back and think my dear sister was trying to see the good, find the positive and inspiring things even when it was hard and difficult, a quality I love!

We both went on dates around that time. I had a guy who liked me from my volleyball class, and she went on a date with a guy from a catholic group that Spring as well. We both left feeling not very impressed or interested. I was always impressed by her standards and the certain qualities she was looking for in a catholic man. I enjoyed helping her with some ideas to wear and matching and mixing wardrobes- always fun and appreciated with sisters. 

So many good, uplifting memories from this time that my mind seems to go back to. Now that I don't have sisters living with me, I can only smile of the treasured times that I go back to, in gratitude, and in learning. xoxo