Camouflaged

6 years ago, I met you for the first time (in person.) I was so nervous! I'd had boyfriends before, I'd met boyfriends' parents before... but this was much different. I knew I would marry Nicolas, and when I met you, I was meeting my future sister-in-law. What I didn't know, is that I would love you this much! Love at first sight. I hugged you and took in the scent of your perfume, and kissed Coco on the cheek and fell in love with his warming smile. I was so worried about being accepted by you - worries that were so unnecessary, if only I'd known at the time.

I envied your style... I enjoyed your carefree attitude, and how even in the face of greatest sorrows you always found happiness. There isn't one attribute about you that I like more than others... I love them all, equally! I love your crazy socks, your delicate jewelry, your confidence, your pajamas! I love how we have so much in common, yet we're still so different. I love how easy it is to talk to you, and I love that I have you to talk to! For 6 years, I've had visits with you to look forward to. A 5 hour drive down the road, and I could always curl up in that soft-as-hell bed of yours and we could giggle like schoolgirls as we talked about everything from boys to work to the children, and life. We've enjoyed walks on the beach in the Netherlands, strolls down sidewalks in Paris, hikes in Germany... late nights, stuffed with Christmas dinners and early mornings with hyper kids.

Coco - you will (and have always) been my family. ;) To this day, the greatest gift I've ever received were the CD's you made me of The OC music. I can't imagine how much effort went into that, but it was given from the heart and I TRULY appreciated it. I love your artistic heart, your charm, your smile, your innocence, and the way you love my Baba. My children love you twice as much as I do. I'm excited that you've found a career that suits you, and I hope that you continue to grow because of it. I can't wait to see where your life takes you with Baba!

Our lives are changing... You're moving to Rouen, and we're going back to America. Today, I hugged you for the last time, not knowing when I'll see you again. I'm confident that we will, but it's sad to know that this era in our lives is over. Fortunately, there was a bit of rain as you left - it camoflauged my tears as I waved to you from the window.... No, it wasn't the TT that I was waiting to watch drive away - it was you. :(

Thank you for SO many laughs... for being the best sister-in-law a girl could ask for... for loving our girls as much as you do. Thanks for showing me what it is to love unconditionally... for showing me the meaning of family. I'll miss you more than you know - and I can't wait to share Texas with you. I love you Baba!

I loved you this much, even then...