Family. Over the last few years the definition of family has broadened and now includes a tapestry of traditional, blended, and unconventional dynamics - all stitched and held together with love.
I was born into an amazing family and I am thankful everyday for their presence in my life. My parents and siblings, I share blood with, and that's what makes us family. There are others in my life that I feel very lucky to call family. We don't share blood, but we share spirit. We are connected in unconditional love, understanding, and support. Nathan and Linae Coats are my family by spirit. They are amazing people who have blessed my life beyond belief.
My first recollection of Nathan was in grade school when we, the Weston 6th graders, planned on competing with our Clifton counterparts during field day. As silly preteen girls, we talked about the cute boys from the other school. Nathan was on that list. So, my first interaction with him was through the lens of a school girl crush. As Weston and Clifton came together in Jr. High, I think we all were a little disappointed when Nathan chose to "go out" with an older 8th grade woman. During this time, our friendship blossomed and continued throughout high school. I think Nathan and I spent every lunch hour together, talking about the concerns in our lives - girls, boys, sports and every other thing that was deemed important at that time. I now know that many people questioned our relationship and what we were doing while spending all of that time together, but nothing romantic ever happened. After high school, I went on to college, Nathan went on his mission, and we lost track of our friendship.
Also during high school, my aunt's niece (on her side) would come and visit from Texas. She was from the big city (or so I thought), she was beautiful, and was kind of quiet. Putting all these attributes together, I had determined that she thought she was a little better than the farm kids she was forced to hang out with while visiting her Aunt Sue. Linae came back after high school to attend Utah State University, the same place that I chose to attend. During this time, I got to know the real Linae. She was definitely beautiful to look at, but was as beautiful on the inside as out. We were never really close, but ran in some of the same circles at college, but lost track of each other after we both got married.
Over twenty years has passed and life has a way of bringing back around those that are meant to be in your life. Nathan's first marriage ended and during that time, we found each other and our friendship again. I also ended up running into Linae at a family wedding. I suggested that the two, who had dated some during her high school visits, should get together again. A few months later, I was happy to hear that they had figured out they were exactly what each other needed. They have now been married for three years and have nine kids combined. They have their hands full and have had their share of hurdles and obstacles. All of these they have faced with open hearts, love, and perseverance.
I, like everyone else, have had my own struggles. Some have been life changing. When I am feeling defeated, I look to these two beautiful people for inspiration. They inspire me to be the best version of myself, to face adversity with openness, and forgive without restraint. I am so blessed to call them family - not because we grew up in the same home, but because they feel like home. Love you two so much!
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