First, Henry has turned 18. Little brother is finally an adult. We are a family of adults, now. We all have different responsibilities, opportunities, and choices. I guess we've had these all along, but it just feels cool to say "adult". After hearing the ever so adorable Trinity give her first talk in Primary, I make some pit stops and end up at home for the big birthday dinner. Before I had made a 3-layer German chocolate late from scratch for him. Sadly, one of our missionaries is being transferred, so they made a stop to say goodbye right as I was pulling out the cake from the refrigerator.
It had split and was falling apart, and still slightly frozen. Apparently our refrigerator is a freezer. That's okay, no big deal. It still tasted amazing. Plus, it was fun having the Elders there to celebrate with us. When you get a couple 20-year-old boys and a camera together, you get some pretty creative shots...
Next, the neighbor calls. She found a cockatiel in her yard, as tame as can be. Where did such a beautiful bird come from? We made several calls to our surrounding "neighbors" and no to avail, no one owns a little gray and yellow bird. Well, Grandma does! And has tools necessary to care for such critters. In a cat carrier, we travel into town only to be stopped by a beautiful view. The camera was in the car, too. Lucky.
I had to share some of my first homemade cake with one of my favorite families, so I bring Marty [bird] with me. The mom of the house is apparently terrified of birds, so what do I do? Bring Marty in to meet her. Everyone grew to love him; he would bow his head to be rubbed, he'd fly right up to your shoulder, he'd even give kisses. I got cat-called at, too. Oh Marty, you're so kind!
The next morning, I receive a text and a message saying that Marty's family is looking for him; there are signs all over Old Portland road. Thank you, Will! I make the trip down the hill to get the number and call to a hysterically happy women when I say "I'm calling in regards of your lost bird". It was a happy ending, although we miss Marty.
Thinking about it, it just makes me happy. What are the chances that a cockatiel who flies the coop would fly at least a few miles to an old gravel road to find our neighbor, who knew that we have connections with birds, who then would bring said bird to visit friends who then found the "missing bird" sign to reunite bird with owner? Doesn't happen that often, if you ask me. Plus, anyone could fall in love with that bird. At least we were able to give it back.
On another note, school starts on September 9th. I'm still not registered completely for classes. Whoops. I am starting to get ready. I am proud to say I have all the kitchen things cleaned and packed, and I can feel myself gaining that confidence and independence I always find out in Idaho. There's just something about being away from home that builds a fire within you. You have such a desire to succeed, and to find it for yourself. I feel protected, safe, and warm, though. I know I am being watched over by so many people as well as my Savior. Because of this, and the choices I make, I find the most joy while out on my own, meeting new faces, and building better relationships with old.
Before I make the trip out, my best friend comes home from his mission in Provo & St. George, Utah on August 19th. I am so ready to see him, to talk to him, to laugh and to joke and to play and to just be ourselves. I am so ready to have that bond again and see where life takes us. I can't wait to show him who I've become and the direction I'm heading. I can't wait to see him grow and experience even more of life. I can't wait for him to see his family: the friends I am eternally grateful for because without them, I don't know how easily I'd find happiness. I don't know what friendships I would've made. I don't know if I would feel as whole as I do now. They are the ones that taught me how important family is, because my family is so incredible, and I've taken them for granted. By the end of this summer, I can confidently say that they aren't just my blood-relatives, but they are my friends, too. I can't wait to see him.
And so, life is really awesome. I love everyone in my life, whether they play a small or large role, and I hope you all know that you make me smile. Thanks. :)
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