LOVE IS IN THE AIR

My granddaughter Ashlyn is on her way to becoming a Physician Assistant. Just one more year. She is also a talented writer and speaker as well. Therefore, she has been asked to give speeches when she serves as a Maid-of-Honor at weddings. Even though she was in the middle of finals week when she wrote the following, she did so for her best friend's wedding earlier this month.

ASHLYN

"I’d like to start off by saying how honored I am to be here speaking to all of you the night before my best friend marries the man of her dreams. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Ashlyn. You can ask anyone and they will pretty much tell you that Shaylee and I have been attached at the hip since the day we met in the 2nd grade 18-years ago. Even when Shay’s dad asked her if she was up for moving to Dallas to train in all-around gymnastics, Shay said 'But, what about Ash?' I have been blamed for that missed opportunity for a while now (sorry Shane), but that is truly the sentiment we have lived by since we met. From then on, I went to lunch with Shay and her family every Sunday at Mimi’s and Granddad's after church, and she went on all of our family trips and always had a spot at our table for Thanksgiving or Christmas. We really became sisters, and I can honestly say she is one of my favorite people on this Earth. Even when she frustrates me to the point where I could pull my hair out, she is pretty high up there on my list (I say this in a joking tone). Yes, because she is my best friend and second sister and all of that cliché stuff, but also because Shay is just one of those people that is almost impossible to be mad at. No matter how angry, upset, or frustrated I am about a situation, Shaylee will make me laugh.

"If I could sum Shaylee up in one word it would be JOY, because that is the feeling that people have when she is around. Over the years, I have to admit I became protective of Shay because there was a time when life was stealing her joy. She was having a difficult time deciding what to do with her life after 14 or so years of fully devoting herself to gymnastics, which was understandably so. While she still managed to make everyone around her feel joy, I could see she was draining herself of her own. The dynamic of our friendship at that time from the outside looking in, and from Shaylee’s perspective, has been Shay looking to me for life advice of any kind (as if I actually know what I am talking about), while Shaylee has always made sure we were having a good time. Well, what Shay and a lot of people do not know, is that I have looked up to Shay my whole life. She leads by example in many ways that she does not realize. Shay loves deeply and will do anything for her family or a friend, she lifts people up and reminds us to not take life too seriously, she has an empathy for people that I strive for, and not only does she manage to make everything fun, but she also brings out the carefree and fun side of everyone she is with.

This is one of the videos on YouTube showing Shaylee's talent:

"When Shay met William last year, I was no longer living in Amarillo and Shay was working at the Amarillo club. She would call me excited about this cute guy who would often come in for lunch or dinner and inevitably flirt with her every time. She would go on about how confident and sweet he was, and that he seemed like an actual 'good guy' that had pure intentions. I have to say, this is something I took with a grain of salt because I pretty much didn’t trust any guy with Shaylee since that is the protective friend that I am (nothing against you William). They go on a couple of dates (or trips I should say) and Shay is very obviously infatuated with him. She hints to me that it is getting serious, so I think I have to meet him as soon as possible before she really falls for him. Well, when I finally met William and saw them together as a couple, it hit me how good he was for her. It was made clear that he loves her and truly sees the Shaylee that I know and love so much. He appreciates what makes her so special. I then started to realize Shay wasn’t calling me as much needing help or advice on anything, she was no longer drained of her joy, and gained back that passion for life that I had not seen in a couple of years. As a best friend, how could I be mad about that?

SHAYLEE

"Shay and I made a pact a long time ago that if we weren’t  married by age 50 or so, that we would get married (to each other?). Well, William. You beat me to it. I guess I will let you have her on the weekends. I’m only kidding, I find great comfort in knowing she is in good hands with you, William. Cheers to the future Wares! I could not be happier for the both of you."...Ashlyn

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Ashlyn always makes a beautiful Maid of Honor. I can only imagine what a wonderful bride she will be. She's smart, beautiful, and has a great sense of humor. It will be interesting to hear what someone says in a speech at her wedding! 

I am finally rising up from the grief our family has suffered since last fall when my oldest child, Craig, left us unexpectedly in his sleep. Our family is valiantly moving on. Siblings, cousins, and his own children are putting their lives back in order. A memorial to this loving man will be held on the anniversary of his passing in October. 

There have been many happy as well as sad occurrences in recent months. I intend to do my best to document some of them in the near future. 

Leaving you with this adorable photo. The one on the left was Craig's pet, named Floki. He was adopted by my granddaughter Audrey. Olive on the right is Ashlyn's treasured cat. They all are currently "visiting" at my daughter's home on Lake Travis. I'm told they sometimes have a raucous play time.  

Peace and love,

Marilyn