So here is my reply:
Dear Vicki,
I remember being at a party, sitting around in a circle and noticing a shy quiet person sitting in the group who looked like she was trying to hide into her shadow. Me being me decided she was the one I was going to befriend. I have to admit, you made it hard. Even the best of questioner (which I considered myself to have been) had a trying time. I was sure I didn't win that round but I hold joy in my heart to think I left an impression.
As a new mum with a roughly 5-6 month old baby wearing a blue fluffy bunny suit turned up to Aunt Libi's work to see her. You served me. I looked into your face and thought "wow she's beautiful" I still do. I do recall telling Libi wow that girl is really pretty. I can almost hear her tell me who Vicki? Yes she does/is!
Ages later apparently my brother-in-law has a chick he's in love with. He says otherwise as he pulls out a framed photograph of a beautiful girl. He tells me of the two previous encounters but I didn't recall at that time. I did later, I recall more now then before. Anyhow, we knew he liked you as he placed this diamanté framed photograph at the head of his bed and fell asleep each night. The first thing to see as he awoke.
Ages later...
I was pregnant with my second child and kind of jokingly said for someone to come babysit Isaiah while I gave birth. You wanted to. But your parents said no. I told you to pray and that if it was meant to be that God would make the path straight. And so the path was straightened. What a glorious time!
You indeed were a lot of fun, and great to chatter with. You, Katie & I. I introduced you to scrapbooking and then we stayed up til 5:30am not noticing that the sun was rising as we were still taping things down & trying to spell words. You did all sorts of strange things... like putting my baby into a bush to take photos of her.. That's when it all started... The whole "Vicki/Amy" & "Vicki/Katie/Amy" thing...
You (& Katie) rarely hesitated to come all the way 4-6hours to rescue me. In fact you did. Lots.
As we approached the birth of our fourth child, I confessed to you that I was at a high risk of contracting Post Natal Depression (PND), to which you simply replied, Don't worry about it, we'll help you. And you have. You were there the day we made.. 300 muffins?? And the time we filled my freezer with precooked meals. We used your brain and your recipes and your opinions to fulfill this task. I think we also used your freezer to accomodate some of those meals. Whoopsie!! & Thanks...
I didn't get PND, and I contribute a part of that to your presence, love and assistance.
We took kids to dancing week in and week out, actually you took them tons of times without me while I was without a car. You accompanied us to M for Mummys (McDonalds) for the customary ice cream afterwards.
We attend church with you (& Daniel... + others)
We had Friday Night Family Dinners EVERY Friday night ("No, sorry I cant go I've got family dinner... @ Amy's" -- without even being invited/asked)..
You don't knock on my front door, in fact I think you've got a key.
We grocery shop most weeks together.
In fact, there isn't many memories of the past year + that doesn't have you in it, and if you were not there... I know where you were and what you were doing.
We've been through the highs, through the lows, and through the every days.
We've grown an even deeper relationship since being back. You are one of the kids favourite Aunts & one of my favourite people.
I know that my family have been blessed because your a huge part of it, I couldn't think of a better woman that my brother-in-law could marry just so we could be friends.
I hope that today (being your birthday) you feel loved by many... Including me... I do apologise (once again) that your birthday presant was 6 hours and 10 minutes late.. We should be celebrating these two special ladies birthdays on the same day, today..
I have something a bit special planned this morning but not many will notice it.. It's just for {us} and those in the know.
For Traditions sake: things I like about you, I like the way you can light up the room by entering in, with your beautiful smile pretty eyes and carefree demeanor you can change an environment into joy and laughter..
This is what Isaiah wanted to buy for you. He thought you'd like it..
And Amalia really really wanted you have to have what she's holding.. She also wanted to get you a pink car because your a girl and you need pretty things.
Jarah heard the word "car" and that was enough for him.
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