As I sat on the tire watching you pull the brakes off my car, I thought about all the things you do that you did not ever have to do.
Things like making sure my cars have always been safe to drive, bringing me gas when I ran out those few times, and teaching me life lessons even if they were ones I did not want to learn.
So many important things that you did not have to do. I remember when I wrecked my first car. I was so scared to call you and mom because I just knew I was going to be in so much trouble.
Mom was on her way home from the city and boy was she mad!
When you pulled up, I remember feeling so relieved to see you.
That was probably the first time I realized I was thankful to have you even though we disagreed a whole lot when I was young.
For the last seven years, I have watched you pull Hailey in a wagon around the fair because of her knee injury, teach Hagen to open doors for women, and countless other life lessons that have helped make the kids who they are.
Not to mention the lessons you have taught me as well. I did not even like you at first. I wanted nothing to do with you.
Now I am thankful for you for a whole bunch of reasons. You have done so much you did not have to do. I have watched you turn my baby sister into a mini version of yourself and help Taylor become the smartest sibling.
You have taught Summer how to do her makeup and create her own style. To be who she wants to be and not who others want her to be.
You have helped Taylor come out of her shell and get prepared for her own life. Remember when she barely talked at all?
You picked up two more girls to raise when you only had one to deal with. Even though I never wanted sisters, I am so thankful you did.
Over the last year, I have watched you become a totally different person. I have watched you rock my girls to sleep, sleep on their bedroom floor just so they feel comforted, never miss a dance class, fix their hair, and do anything else they needed.
The things you have done are all things you never had to do but you have chosen to do. For that, I am very thankful. Nine kids have benefitted greatly because of these four people I referred to above. By doing things they did not have to do.
I am forever thankful for this.