Thankful Thursday

CLEARLY it is Thursday, so what am I thankful for this week? AOII and my fantastic little, Emily!

AOII – Obviously, AOII is a huge part of my life and I couldn’t be more okay with that. I’m so proud to carry on the legacy for my family. I really wish that my grandmother was still alive to be able to share this journey with me, but hearing my dad talk about how passionate his mom was for AOII and how much she loved it makes me love it that much more. Over the summer I realized that we both joined our chapters within their first five years of being on their campuses, which was something that was really cool to me. I am so happy that AOII has connected me with so many amazing women whom I get to call my best friends. Sure sometimes I get frustrated with them or with AOII, but what kind of family would we be if we didn’t? The good times with AOII always out number the bad and I couldn’t be happier or more proud to be a part of this sorority.

Which brings me to my little, Emily. I am sooo SO happy that I get to call you my little for the rest of my life! You seriously are one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to meet. I have met some pretty strong people in my life, but Emily, you take the cake. You face challenges that I can't imagine having head on and still can hold your head high and have a wonderful attitude. I didn’t know you very well when we picked our littles my sophomore year, but I knew that you were going to be mine. You had to be. That was the end of the story. You are so quirky and fun to be around and you completely accept my weirdness and my quirks. I truly feel like you are another sister that I never had. Being the youngest in my family, I always wondered what my older brother and sister felt like looking after me and now I know what that feels like thanks to being your big. I want to protect you and I want only the best for you. I love you like you are a part of my own biological family and I am BEYOND thankful that you are my little and are a part of my life. You’re fantastic, Emily and I will ALWAYS be your big.