While waiting for people to come, I open Facebook. Because when you have downtime, who doesn't open Facebook? I came across a picture my sister posted of her and her husband the afternoon before their first date. I looked at it for a few seconds and one of the first thoughts that came to my mind was how much they've played a part in my life. I was 13 when they started dating. I was just really starting to "see" the world. They took the time just to hang out with me.
The only thing is, Eric lived in Virginia. But seeing the amount of time, effort and patience the two of them invested into their relationship from such a long distance really made an impression on me. It was like, even though the trip one way was 3-4 hours, it was totally worth it even if they only got to spend half an hour together. I don't remember when it was exactly when I first met him but I knew that he loved SNL and Chris Farley. Which, thanks to Nikki, I was very familiar with. I didn't take me very long to warm up to him, probably because he brought a Norm McDonald movie with him and the three of us watched it the weekend we met. I've never felt weird, or uncomfortable around Eric. Which I had a tendency to do around new people when I was younger. They were, and still are the two most supportive people in my life. They listen and never stomp me out. No matter what idea or thought comes into my head. They have a love and a trust in me that they're able to always know my motives are pure. They've shown me what pure, genuine love is. They, for me, set a standard for what a relationship and a marriage should be. They've been nothing but a positive influence on me and life. They always encourage creativity and individualism. Even now, 15 years later. They still encourage me. Even in the midst of a crazy new idea, the first thing Eric did was buy me two books about it.
I really believe that because of all the time they spent me with me over the years, which has been over half my life, all the words, all of the support, the understanding, the lack of judgement, the willingness to just hang out with the awkward little brother. It shaped me. Everything I took from their influence shaped most of who I am today. I thank God that they are who they are for each other, me and our family.
I don't remember what year it was, but they moved to North Carolina after they graduated college. I also can't remember when it was that I stopped taking my vacations with my family, but I do know that it was a few years until I finally took a vacation. And I went to Raleigh. Only because that's where Nikki and Eric were. I took a few trips down, then they moved to San Diego. Yep. Southern California. I've been there 5 times in the last 4 years. Only because that's where they are. As much as I love San Diego, my first choice in places to go will be where ever they are. So I'm praying they stay in San Diego. Because it's awesome there!
Nikki and Eric. Thank you. Thank you for all that you are and everything you mean to me. I love you both!
