As I think of each individual in my family, I realize that I have been very blessed to have some amazing people in my life. Lately I've been thinking of my little brother, my only brother, a lot. It's an understood fact in my family that Daniel and I are the most alike. He's my buddy. Right now he's serving a 2 year mission for our church. Most of you know that means the only contact our family has with him is a once a week email. I miss Daniel, but I'm glad for the distance, I know it enables him to focus 100% on what he's doing and be the best missionary possible. I was worried about him and how the news about Lindsey would affect him, being so far from home. I got the most amazing email from him last week and I cry and cry whenever I read it, because I'm so proud of him and his faith. I hope he's not offended that I'm sharing a bit of his email...
I cried on the phone then I had a strong feeling of peace. I knew what Lindsey would want me to do. I knew how she would face this situation, and I knew what my Heavenly Father wants me to do. So I stayed on my mission. This is a time of growth for all of us. The Lord loves us and gives us opportunities to grow. Its up to us to decide if we are going to met the challenge. This is the point where people accept God's will and continue in faith, or get angry and ask why, and turn away from God.
All I can say is, thank you Daniel.
So this is my little tribute to Daniel. Last year he came and visited me and we trekked all around the city looking for graffiti for him. Before his visit, I'd never paid much attention to graffiti, but have been on the lookout for it ever since, thinking of how much he would like my "discoveries". Daniel, I feel bad about some of the lame stuff we spent so much time taking pictures of, because you wouldn't believe some of the places I've been to recently! So much better! I wish I could take you to them. So instead, here are some pictures for you. I love you!
Daniel educated me that one of the things that'll get you more street cred for your graffiti is if it's in a precarious spot. So do I get any sort of cred for taking graffiti pictures from those spots? 
5 comments:
Daniel is so awesome. What a good example your whole family is to all of us. It really makes you reevaluate your life and figure out what is really important.
Your brother sounds really in tuned with the spirit and a very special person to you. I bet you miss him tons! My brother and I have a special relationship as well he is my little buddy even though he towers over me now. At the moment he is training for his military career in the Army. Not much convo there either. Also, I hope your sister is doing well she seems like a strong individual even in the midst of her situation.
So I watched your darling daughter give those extremly cute chuckles. They made me laugh so much I think my eye's were wellin with tears. The Lord sure did know what he was doing when he created little children:) They are better than cable!:)
Mel- I love this post and I'm serious. Such a sweet post and I love the words you and Daniel both say. I learn so much from each member of our family. Every word helps me be stronger and go forth. Thanks for sharing this post.
Mel this is one of the greatest posts ever. The colors of the graffiti are so cool. I think we should begin paying hoodlums to decorate the city. In fact through dental school I have met some young men from Philadelphia currently in a program for drug use who would be happy to come over and "decorate" our master bedroom (I'm having flashbacks of Spencer and Heidi from The Hills). All that being said, you may be surprised when you come home to find my new "tag" on the dining room ceiling ;)
Love, Zach
Oh, you do have a special bond with Daniel. Daniel's definately our most creative Gruwell. But, I can't wait to meet this spiritual giant that is growing day by day.
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