chronicles of she

i always thought you all were strangers. i knew you probably shopped at some of the same stores as me and ate similar foods, but you came from a different family, with a different mom, a different dad, or maybe no dad at all. you didn't know my family, your dad didn't know my dad, you had never been to my town, you didn't know the walls of my home like i did, because you were a stranger. you weren't my people. you were your people. you came from a different city, and the city you're from is much too different from mine, i just knew.

but then our elementary schools combined in junior high, and i realized those of you from the next town over weren't so different from me at all. and then the same thing happened in high school. and then college. and being a missionary. and traveling around the world at different times.

and then this thing called the internet happened. and blogs. and social media. and i realized that i can watch a video you made in your free time and realize you appreciate the springtime dogwoods and cherry blossoms just as much as i do. and you are inspired by the same beautiful music that i am. and the food! the food. and your heartbreak. your fears. your silliness. your goofiness. your stories. your moms. your dads. the families and the homes you make.

and then i realize...we are from the same town. we do have the same mom and dad. we are family. you are my people, and i can't get enough of you. i truly love you, for we are brothers and sisters.