This one's for you Nicole!

Ok, so HUGE news:

My older sister (my only sister), Nicole, is engaged. Engaged to none other than John, a fun, funny, energetic, smart and cool guy, and I'm so thankful that's he's going to be my future brother-in-law for two reasons. One, because I've always wanted a brother (Nicole was a good play-mate growing up, but she never wanted to play basketball with me- hence why I always wanted a brother- I'm kidding and serious at the same time. Two, because like John's roommate said the other day: some people can be grouped together by personality, but John, well, he's one-of-a-kind. And, to be quite honest, I am sure glad that he's one-of-a-kind. But I wouldn't want my sister to marrying any "average joe." She deserves a one-of-a-kind kind of guy. And that's why I'm so thankful that their engaged. They truly are perfect for each other. And what's perfect for Nicole, is perfect for me because she's my sister and my best friend (and I get to be her Maid of Honor...how cool is that??)

Regardless of whether or not we saw eye to eye about basketball, I have always looked up to Nicole. She has always been my #1 supporter and #1 encourager- and since before I can remember, I have aspired to be just like her. The way she always put others before herself. Her brains. Her beauty- inside and out. Her faith. I admire all these qualities and more. And most of all, if I never had Nicole as an example in my life , I'm really not sure what kind of person I'd be today. Everything I am, I am becuase of Nicole. She taught me how to be a leader. But also to have a servant spirit. She taught me how to work hard in school. And to work hard for the things that matter the most. She taught me how to be optimistic. And goodness knows, I needed to learn that! And she taught me that inner beauty is much more important than outer beauty. And sometimes, you are blessed with both...

So, this one's for you Nicole! I love you. I am so excited for you. And I can't wait to stand beside you on your wedding day. As your maid of honor and as your sister. Because you have always stood right beside me. And I wouldn't be who I am today, without you.

I love you both, John and Nicole. A HUGE congratulations!