This young lady is Maddison Lang! She's my youngest sister, Regan's oldest and she's one of the most incredible people I've ever known.
This gentle spirit is so tender hearted and loving that most of the time you don't know how it's possible she can be as kind and sweet as she is. I'm sure she's got a temper and that everything isn't sunshine and roses all the time, but every single second I've spent with her since she was born has been nothing but absolute joy.
I'm amazed by her. I think she's gone through a lot as a kid. I've always worried about her and the situation she's been in most of her life. Regan moved quite a bit while Maddison was little and she didn't have a lot of chances to stay in one place and make friends.
She's also lived through the divorce of her parents and that's never easy on a kid. But through it all, she's put on a brave face, been supportive of her siblings and done her very best to make the most of whatever life has thrown at her.
Sometimes she texts me and I love our little exchanges. She sends me sweet messages with kind notes and in return, I get to tell her how much I love her. She's wonderful!
I know there's so much more to her than just this small bit I've written and the fact is, I haven't been able to get to know her nearly as much as I've wanted to. She's far more complex and fascinating than what I've been able to discover. I hope I get a chance to get to know more about her and spend some quality time with her. I know it will be time well spent and worthwhile.
This is one special and amazing young woman and I know she will grow up to be incredibly important to the people in her life. I can't wait to see what she'll achieve. I'm so proud of her and even more proud to say...
Maddison is a reason for being.
This handsome young man is my nephew Blake Stucki and I took this pic a couple of weeks ago when his team won first place in their division for the season. He'd just been handed a trophy and was posing for pics with his team. I snapped this one immediately afterward and he generously stopped and posed for me.
Blake is one talented kid! I can't believe how great he is. He's one of those boys who's eternally good natured - although sometimes a bit mischievous; but it's all in the name of honest fun and his pursuit of life. He's a boy who seems to be constantly looking at something else to do. He's taking guitar lessons, he participates in a theater class and he plays Baseball, Football and Basketball.
Both of his parents are active and you can see the impact that's had on the person he's growing up to be. He fits right in with them. If they're on the go, he's right beside them ready for whatever adventure awaits. I'm in awe of his enthusiasm and the joy he takes in the things he loves to do. He is the quintessential boy!
In addition to enjoying his Baseball and Football games, I've also noticed Blake is a respectful and courteous young man. He's always polite and treats me with a great deal of respect. This, more than anything, makes me proud of him. I see him growing into a strong, capable man one day and being the type of guy other people want to be around because he makes them feel good about themselves.
It's been a rewarding experience watching this kid grow up. I'm thankful to my family for sharing their kids with me and allowing me to participate in their lives. Nothing makes me happier. And that's why I can say without doubt or hesitation...
Blake is a reason for being!
Craig is my brother-in-law. He's married to Robin! I've got a ton of things I can say about Craig, but the fact is, they're all basically the same thing.
Craig is very important to me. He and Robin include me in their family on a regular basis and make me feel important. For that reason alone I think he's amazing!
He's one of those guys you meet in school or work with such a laidback casual manner that you're quick to laugh with him or trust him. As a student of the law, I see him as a highly effective attorney. I think people would open up to him because he exudes integrity and strength. I've also noticed how sensitive he is when it comes to the people he loves. His children adore him! They're constantly telling me about him in one way or another.
In simple terms, he's a decent guy and that's hard to come by these days.
Personally, Craig always includes me in the conversation and makes an effort to talk to me when the family is together. I'm easily one of the few who could end up in a corner watching every happening around me, but Craig has a knack for bringing people out of their shells and helping them feel included. Even in the most hectic environment.
I greatly appreciate his friendship! He went with me to a concert a couple years ago because everyone I knew ditched me and no one wanted to go. He stepped in and tagged along. I had a blast! We chatted in the Parking Lot near a Chinese Restaurant after the show and talked about our shared love of music. He doesn't pretend to be something he's not and he's a lot of fun when you're hanging with him socially.
I feel extremely blessed to call this guy my brother! He's built an amazing family with exceptional children, a wife I couldn't love more even if she weren't my sister and a circle of close relatives who lean on him when times get tough.
Craig is an example to me. I respect him and cherish him as a brother.
Craig is a reason for being.
