I've Always Wanted a Big Sister...
- Jul 30, 2016
- 4 min read
As a middle child, I grew up wrestling my big brother, chasing one another around the house with Spider-Man undies on our heads. When our little sister was born, we became "the big kids". Josh became Santa Claus and I became the Tooth Fairy.
I looked up to my brother all my life, and now, I had someone looking up to me. As the seven-year difference began to set in between Julia and me, I had to learn (and am still learning) how to set a good example for her. From the music I listen to, to braiding her hair before a soccer game, to teaching her how to match her clothes (well... still trying to teach her, that kid has her own...uhh..unique style...) I've always done the "big sister" things.
Having incredible neighbors who were like sisters to me, I got my "big sister fix". We had sleepovers, shared hand-me-downs, did all the "girly" things sisters are supposed to do. But I couldn't help but think, "I wonder what it would be like if I had a big sister..."
Flashback to a few months ago, I was at my Southern California church, the pastor challenged the congregation-- "Bold prayers. I dare you to pray one bold prayer. Watch your faith change."
So I did. But mine wasn't assurance in my major or a ring by spring... mine was "God, I pray that Josh and Brenna would get married."
Yeah, I shocked myself too when I silently lifted up what, to me, was an extremely bold prayer. I kept it to myself. There's one side to praying it, there's a completely another side to tell someone about it. It wasn't until a few months after that, my mom, brother and I were sitting in an Applebee's in Long Beach on Mother's Day where I told my big brother about Pastor Tate's challenge that one Sunday morning. Which he then proceeded with "Well Jess, Brenna will be the one I marry. Summer 2017." My mom cried and Josh and I high-fived (a typical response between him and me).
Over the drive home from So Cal to Nor Cal, it began to set in... I'm going to have a big sister!
And the fact that it's Brenna of all people...
I met her at my High School graduation, in the courtyard, where we had that awkward first interaction where we didn't know if we were supposed to hug, handshake, or kiss...
Fast forward a year later and I'm way up I feel blessed. It is a HUGE deal to me that I like Brenna (and that she likes me back!) Having many conversations with her, we both are in mutual likeness of one another. Which is great. That sounds sort of funny to say, but it's true.
She and I are also crazy similar-
We have the same ombre hair (which I will DEF be changing before the wedding). We have the same style. We both have February Birthdays. We both have similar tattoos. We both have nose rings. We both LOVE Ginger Ale. We both are addicted to Disney Crossy Roads. We both have similar personalities and opinions. We both love Jesus....
I can honestly say it is truly a blessing that she and I get along. We don't necessarily get to choose to be family, but we do get to choose to be friends... and being sisters is just a bonus.
I've always wanted a big sister... Brenn Rosie will do.
Operation Josh and Brenna Get Engaged
I felt super special for being able to be there, in LA, on the day of the engagement. My brother had planned for me to fly down a day before to bring him the decorations, and to help him set up. BUT no big day is complete without a not-so-little bump in the road. Yes, I was caught up in the Southwest drama and after being delayed, my flight was ultimately canceled. We tried flying me into Burbank, into LAX... Not being able to get ahold of my dad (who was at church working), my mom was on hold with Southwest for about an hour while I drove to the church to explain to my Pops what was going on. We came to the decision, "I HAVE to be there. I HAVE to drive."
I drove home to hear my mom FINALLY get through to the airline, but then just told her "We're driving!" She hangs up. Cries. And starts packing.
I pick up my sister from Sports Camp, get her settled, bring her BACK to church to be with my dad, drive back home, pack up the car, and we're off!
10:30 PM. Seven hours later, we arrive at my brother's apartment and get to work. Some assembly was required, but thanks to incredible preparation on my mama's part, and the help of Josh's friends Taylor and Tanner, we were done my midnight...ish.
5:30 AM. We get up, get ready, and head to the place when my brother will ask my future sister-in-law to be his wife.
8:30 AM. Hiding in bushes, behind trashcans, and in the back seat of the Honda... we watch Josh and Brenna walk through a timeline of their relationship. He's tearing up. SHE'S tearing up (I think... eventually she started laughing, but I definitely saw a twinkle.)
He gets down on one knee, she doesn't know what to do with her hands and does the FUNNIEST dance that resembles a Corgie excited for dinner. Seal with a kiss.
It was perfect.
Welcome to the family, Brenna!
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