This family. I do not typically struggle with finding words to describe beautiful things, but at this moment I feel as if I am coming up short. I do not think that I will ever be able to find the words to adequately describe just how much this family means to me. I am not sure that I will ever be able to describe the impact they have all had on my life in such a short time. I am not even sure if I yet comprehend the proufound imprint God has allowed them to place on my life because it seems as if each day I recall a memory or a lesson that the Defendorfs are directly connected to in my mind.
These four wonderfully silly boys became the little brothers that I had always wanted. They provided more laughs, more forts, more cuddles, and more tackles than I had ever thought possible in college. A typical moment with them consisted of one hanging on me trying to pull me to the ground while the others ether teased me or complimented me.. and I can't help but chuckle at it all. They were exactly what I needed on the days when I wanted to give up and go home. They taught me to find joy in every moment. They taught me to support and love your parents through everything.
These boys look at their parents like they hung the stars in the sky. And I think we all need to see that deep admiration modeled in a loving household. I think the world needs more of the respect and love these boys hold for their family.
These boys look at their parents like they hung the stars in the sky. And I think we all need to see that deep admiration modeled in a loving household. I think the world needs more of the respect and love these boys hold for their family.
Fred and Hannah have individually played a pivotal role in my life, but together are even greater.
Fred saw something in me that I did not quite think was there. He challenged me and encouraged me and taught me how to lead...and how to love those I was leading. Hannah showed me what it truly meant to lovingly and selflessly support a husband who was devoted to the task God had given him. She showed me what it looks like to seek out encouraging relationships, for she reached out to me to build a friendship that I am so very thankful for.
Together, they model how beautiful it is to be a team in marriage and in ministry.
Fred saw something in me that I did not quite think was there. He challenged me and encouraged me and taught me how to lead...and how to love those I was leading. Hannah showed me what it truly meant to lovingly and selflessly support a husband who was devoted to the task God had given him. She showed me what it looks like to seek out encouraging relationships, for she reached out to me to build a friendship that I am so very thankful for.
Together, they model how beautiful it is to be a team in marriage and in ministry.
Don't let these easy portraits fool you. Their standard poses consist of piling on top of each other and making goofy faces. Is it a coincidence that I love them so much? Probably not.
Thank you for inviting me into your home and into your family.
Thank you for believing in me and for picking me up when I fell and for making me laugh when I needed it the most. Thank you for sharing this season of your lives with me.
When I look back on my time in college, your family will be the first I think of. From blanket forts and train tracks to heart-to-hearts and shared tears while watching Father of the Bride, I will always smile and thank God for your family.
It has all meant far more to me than I had ever imagined to be possible.
Thank you for believing in me and for picking me up when I fell and for making me laugh when I needed it the most. Thank you for sharing this season of your lives with me.
When I look back on my time in college, your family will be the first I think of. From blanket forts and train tracks to heart-to-hearts and shared tears while watching Father of the Bride, I will always smile and thank God for your family.
It has all meant far more to me than I had ever imagined to be possible.