daddy

How do I sufficiently tell my dad on one day how much I love him? There is something about a daddy-daughter bond that can't be described. I'll always feel so connected to him. Maybe its because he was my stay at home mommy while I grew up, or we would go kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and do everything together. Or maybe its because we would sing primary songs while driving in the big blue bus, go to Weinerschnitzel every week after my dance class, or that I was the only child for 4 years. Or that there is just a special daddy-daughter connection that we are lucky enough to have. I love him. What else can I say? Nothing captures the love I have for him enough. But I'll try and share some other memories that are special to me.

When I am sick, dad becomes very protective. He will sit with me for hours to comfort me as I'm throwing up or curled in a ball because of the pain. He is also very willing to give me a father's blessing.

Dad is the most supportive dad I know. He is at everything! You can never question how much he supports his kids, for we know our parents love and support us.

He always tries to teach us how to keep a balanced life. Now that I'm older this has been very beneficial to me. I remember things dad taught me about keeping my life in order and balanced.

Side by side in the closet. 'Nuf said :)

Facebook. "Er what's this box?!"

There's no upside....

Anyways. I love him. I could go on for days. But I just want him to know I love him, and am proud of who he is. He has been through a lot, but I am grateful he has been a fighter and shows everyone around him a great example.

I love you Dad. Happy Father's Day!

Princess Festival

One of my most favorite things ever is being a part of the Princess Festival. Basically all week long we do an interactive show with princesses for little girls for a charity that supports a city in Kenya, Africa. Pretty Awesome! And what else does Jessica need in life? Performing, little girls, being a princess, and helping people!!! Ya its the best :) So here are some of my favorite pics...Throughout the week I was Sleeping Beauty, an Evil Step-sister, and the Blue Fairy (from Pinocchio) who was the tour guide.

*Still waiting for the pics from my dad of me as sleeping beauty and the pics of Adam and I together. That was the other cool part of this whole experience, Adam did it with me!! Yay for sibling bonding! He was the best Peter Pan EVER!!! For those of you who haven't seen Adam in a while, he is growing up. I really love that I've had the chance to spend more time with him.

life

Time seems to pass with more speed as the days go on. I find that having 5 minutes to think by myself is a blessing. I love jam-packing my schedule with lots of good things, but sometimes I want just 1 day to have to catch up on everything and to have for myself. But I doubt that will happen.

I'm sort of on edge and stressed right now. One of the boys I take care of, Thad, only has a few days left in this life. More than likely I will be there when he passes away. There could never be enough words to describe all my feelings about this. Every moment I fear that it might be his last breath. Life is so precious. He has always been so close to the veil. I just hate seeing him fight for every breathe and be in pain. He has stopped eating and drinking and won't take most of his meds. How can I not feel guilty when he passes away? If I'm there I know I will worry I didn't do something right. I worry for his sisters. They are struggling.

Where do I fit? How do I help this experience be a little smoother and how do I provide comfort?

I'm just so grateful and still very stunned that I get to have the opportunity to take care of him in his last days. What an angel. So scary that he could be gone when I go into work early tomorrow morning. I worry that I won't be of enough help to his sisters once it happens.

But all the worry in the world won't help the situation. I just keep a constant prayer in my heart that by the guidance of the spirit I will know what to do.

It reminds me that everyone's life is fragile and I need to let those people I care about know I love them. So if you're reading this....I love you. Honest. Thank you for all that you help me with each and every day.