Cassandra, Courtney, Caitlyn, Christopher!

For whatever reason, mom and dad were crazy enough to give us all ‘C’ names. And at times, I’ll admit, it was a little bit annoying getting called the wrong name all the time, but more comical than anything. Our childhood was a bit hectic, moving quite a few times before I even hit double digits, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Because through all of it, I always had you three. We had our differences for sure, I can still hear mom telling us to just be nice to each other! We would all fight and fight and fight, but the second someone pulled out a scrabble board, or put on “The Princess Bride”, alll fire ceased and we were the best of friends.

Cassie,

My oldest sister, my tender hearted, beautiful freckle faced best friend. Growing up, I wanted to be just like you. You were just so pretty and talented and smart and adventurous. You were the one I’ve always turned to, and still do, when I’m terrified to call mom. I called you when I got my first tattoo, I called you the first night I was in Knoxville, and I called you when my pregnancy test came back positive. You knew I was scared and lost, you calmly said to me that everything was going to be okay, and that I needed to call mom. You’ve always given me the best advice and I’ll never thank you enough for it. You have the best two kiddos in the whole world, and I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished. I love you with no pants!

Courtney,

My next oldest sister, my tall, determined, compassionate heart, beautiful thick hair with natural highlights I’m secretly jealous of, my best friend. We had our differences growing up, but I was always in such awe of you and still am. You took AP classes in high school, was on the varsity basketball team, ran cross country, had a job and still managed to graduate with honors. No matter what, you always put all of us before yourself. A few years ago when I broke up with my boyfriend, you flew up to Tennessee to get my dog from me so I wouldn’t have to give her to someone I didn’t know. When I found out I was pregnant, you offered me a place to live. And when I called you and told you I was getting g divorced, you gave me a place to live. You’ve always put everyone before yourself and I wish there were more people like you in the world. I love you, Court.

Chris,

My baby brother, the one who took my place as youngest, the one who has grown into an amazing young man. There are very few times to my memory that we weren’t fighting. It’s no secret that I wasn’t exactly thrilled about not being the baby anymore. You got all of my attention. But, you being born is by far one of the best things to happen to me. Because of you, I learned how to pick and choose my battles, I saw how mom and dad parented you, and now I know how to raise my Hayden. I am so incredibly proud of the man you have become and I’m going to miss you immensely when you go off to bootcamp here in about a month. I love you, Bubby.

I know we aren’t a “talk about our feelings” family, but I just wanted you three to know how much I love and appreciate you. You three are the reason I am who I am today.

Siblings road trip soon?