The woman most of you know as "Ende" goes by many other names. First, there are the names people call her because they either can't pronounce her name or rearrange the letters in her name to create a more "normal" name: Elde, Ednie, Edna, Andy, India, . Second, there are names her family and friends have used to summon her: E, EE, Cecilia, fungus, and the one I named her with...Chicky.
I honestly don't know why I named her Chicky or why I make bokking noises to get her attention, but I did and I do. All I know is that this woman, this sister of mine (with her many names) has always been the greatest blessing in my life.
As most of you know, this woman is getting married in 8 months. That's EIGHT months! Yes, things are going well and we are having fun with the preparations. Yes, I have loads of anxiety about the wedding and am trying to convince my sister to adopt me or at least let me live with her. It is a strange feeling to watch my sister's life blossom and change so drastically before my eyes. Soon she'll have more in common with my mother than she will with me. I think that's what freaks me out the most.
Dear ole Chicky and I have been close from birth (we're only 20 months apart), and although we have butt heads more than a few times in our lives, we always come back to the foundation of loving each other. Her love for me is vast. She shows it in the practical ways of giving me guidance and speaking truth into my life. God has used her as a powerful tool for reshaping my life and showing me what it means to love God more. Her childlike love for God inspires me. She is a wonderful woman.
Because I love her dearly and will miss her greatly, I have cried over every aspect of her upcoming nuptials. I cried when she tried on dresses. I cried when we went to find me a dress for the wedding, I cried over her going to counseling, I cried over the table decorations we discussed. The point is, I've showered this wedding in my tears (and I'll still have some left for the day of, don't worry). All of these tears have been mixtures of happy and sad. I am thrilled that she is becoming a wife, homemaker, and one day a mother. I could not be more happy for her. But, I am sad. Sad she won't be living in the same house as me, we won't have late night talks on her bed. Our family meetings will be short one person...her quirky laughter won't be heard on a regular basis any more...
This woman is an inspiration. She's a hard worker. She is a godly witness. And soon she'll be an excellent wife. I am excited for the new things coming in her life! My little sister is growing up.
So, here's to all the exciting memories I got to make with my roommate of 15 years, my secret keeper, my truest friend. And here's to all the great memories that will be made with the future Mrs. Woodward!
