Friday, August 24, 2012

I'm not the only one that loves her...

I know Hallie wanted to post this...
but she was very busy yesterday & as soon as school was over-her and mom hit the road to Louisville so the Duo could finally reunite!!

Yesterday- I arranged for Hallie to receive an envelope each class period from a different student.  Each envelope had a Letter, and a description for each letter spelling out HALLIE.


H is for Heart
Hallie- you have a bigger heart than anyone I know.  It’s hard to believe that when you were born, your heart wasn’t complete-I think when they operated on you-God filled your heart with something extra special.  You will never realize how many people your heart has touched, and you will never realize how big of a place you hold in my heart.  It is your big heart that has led you to this point, and it is your big heart that is going to keep you going to complete your goal.  I love you with all my heart. 

A is for Admiration
Hallie – it is no secret that I have admired you ever since I was little.  Even though we may not act alike (but actually we do ;-) ) I try hard to be more like you.  God has blessed me with an amazing role model to look up to, and I thank Him every day for you.  I have the upmost admiration for you, and it brings me great joy watching you accomplish your goals.  I know this journey has been long, but soon you will be an ironman and another thing I can add to the list of why I admire you.  I love you.

 L is for Leader. 

Hallie, first of all you had to know that was coming.  Ever since I was born you have been my fearless leader.  When dad died, you took it upon yourself to become an even bigger leader in my life.  I wish all people had a leader like you to follow.  I know sometimes I get frustrated following you, because I keep waiting for you to stop (you promised NO MORE IRONMANS!) but you just keep going.  You keep pushing me to be better, to do better, and I love you for that.  I know I will be safe because I have a leader who is following Gods plan.  I love you for leading me. 

L is for Love

Hallie- with such a big heart it is no wonder you are full of such great love.  I know sometime people say “I love you” so much that it no longer has such a powerful meaning.  But you will never understand how much I love you. I love you for being you.  I love that you are confident in who you are.  I love that you are determined to do things most people don’t even dream of.  I love that you are driven to accomplish what you set out to do.  I love that you go out of your way to help others. And I love that you encouraged me and allowed me to join you in your ironman journey. 

I is for Inspiration
Hallie- you are an inspiration to so many.  Anyone that has ever met you, has so many amazing things to say about you.  All the little kids you taught to swim, all the high school kids you have mentored at youth group or during swim team, and all your students view you as an inspiration.  You inspire people by the things you do, the things you say, and the prayers you send.  I know you have inspired me this year and all the years before.  You are my inspiration for doing this ironman. 

E is for EVERYTHING

Hallie-this past year has been amazing.  You said that I may hate you along the way, but when I cross the finish line I will be so happy.  Well I can honestly say that I have never hated you along the way.  If anything I should thank you over and over again.  This past year, I have enjoyed spending the extra time with you. And there isn’t anyone else I would do this with but you.  You are an amazing sister, but more than that you are an amazing friend.  I know I can come to you with anything and everything, and some how you make it better.  Soon you will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles to cross the finish line where I will be standing with your medal that you have earned! It will mean EVERYTHING to me. I LOVE YOU  

So it is clear that I kind of sort of like my sister :-)   but I'm not the only one.  Yesterday Hallie arrived at school to find her classroom completely decorated from top to bottom with signs and streamers! She received countless cards from students, parents, and random strangers.  And last but not least, she received a lot of "hardware" for all her hard work.  Each teacher presented Hallie with a medal throughout the day so she left school with a neck full of medals!!!

Hallie is truly one of a kind- and everyone would agree!! 




No comments:

Post a Comment