The Family I Choose to Have

A while back I was on the beach in Puerto Vallarta with my friend Lindsey Meyer. We've been friends since we were eight years old. We talked nonstop for four days. We laughed and drank margaritas and I can't remember the last time I had that much fun with a friend. We talked a lot about sisterhood. My sister died when I was young. I adored my sister! Since the day she died, I've lived each day of my life feeling that void and simply knowing it can never be filled. It's just something I have to learn to live with, continually.

We talked about friendship and how I have a couple of childhood friends who, for me, aren't sisters, but they are the family I CHOOSE to have, which I actually think is pretty special.

Maybe if we met today, we wouldn't have enough in common to sustain a new budding friendship, but there is something about knowing someone from such a young age that bonds you in a way that is irreplaceable. Lindsey and I, although we live in different states, have more in common in our lives than ever. We both own creative businesses. We both have three kids and a loving husband. I'm so grateful for her and our time together.

On our way home from Mexico we received news that someone we knew back home had lost her older sister unexpectedly. I was filled with all kinds of emotions. Heartbroken for her and her family while at the same time, thankful they were blessed with over 30 years of life together on this Earth.

The following day a friend of mine gave birth to a baby girl. I took Stella to see them and I watched as the beautiful baby girl was being adoringly held by her older sister and then it hit me - the big sister was the exact same age my big sister Courtney was when I was born. For the first time I was able to physically see what that dynamic looked like from the very beginning and it was beautiful.

Image Erin Wilson Photography