Flashback Friday

Is it seriously Friday again...already?! Lucky me, because I have a great flashback to share! I received this message on facebook yesterday from an old friend from jr. high/high school...


Amy sent you a message.
--------------------
Subject: Small world

Did you know that I am friends with your brother, Doug?
We went to grad school together and were in the same study group. I hope you don't mind that I've adopted him as a big brother! He honestly is one of the most genuine, warm, big-hearted guys I know. I respect and adore him so much. Oh, and he is wicked smart too! All things I'm sure you already know. :)
For some reason, I didn't put 2 and 2 together until just this month and so I just wanted to write you a quick note to tell you hello and express my admiration for your big bro.
P.S. Doug loves you so much (and I know you knew that already too). :)

Then...I just happened to come across this photo today...

Can I say this is one of my all-time favorite photos! It just depicts Doug and the relationship I have with him PERFECTLY. All of the wonderful things Amy said about my brother are so very true. I cried when I read her message. Actually, I'm crying right now just thinking about it! So let's start at the beginning...

For those of you who don't know me, I was engaged once before I met Justin. This picture was actually taken by Doug's beautiful & talented wife, Tracy, as she was so kindly taking engagement photos of Rex & me. (I know, I know...Rex the Ex...too perfect.) Anyhow, I have looked back SO many times, wondering why I needed to have that experience. Over the years, it's become increasingly clear to me that, aside from causing me to appreciate my incredible husband every. single. day...I received a great gift from that relationship. Oddly enough, it had nothing to do with our actual relationship, but with the relationship I developed with Doug & Tracy throughout our engagement. They were actually with us at Venice Beach when Rex proposed to me. I remember the first time Doug met Rex...Rex went to shake his hand, and Doug grabbed him and gave him a big hug. That's Doug in a nutshell. I don't know anyone who doesn't feel right at home with Doug...from the first time they meet him.

So, back to the story...

My big brother was freshly married, and I was definitely feeling his absence. I didn't really know Tracy, and was probably a little jealous of her...stealing my brother and all. Well, Tracy knew Rex, and once we started dating, we naturally hung out with them...a lot. It was great getting to know both of them in a social situation. Like I said, we were on a road trip to CA with Doug & Tracy when Rex proposed. From then on, Doug & Tracy were extremely excited for us, and very supportive and helpful in planning the wedding. After we broke up, I think Rex missed Doug more than he missed me!

Regardless of how things turned out, I have always been so grateful to Doug for making Rex feel so welcome. He treated him like family from the moment they met. Actually, I think just about anyone who knows Doug would say the same thing. He's such a great example in so many ways, but especially in how to treat others. I'm so blessed to have him as my big brother!

lessons learned...

1. when we're striving to please Him,
God blesses us in every situation
2. looking for those blessings can prove
extremely beneficial :)
3. even when things don't work out...they work out

good things...

1. remembering
2. hearing my kids laugh
3. trusting God's plan for me