Today is Julie’s birthday which makes us think of family and then we miss mom like most days. But more than that it makes me think of how much fun mom would have had today watching the antics on Facebook. Dru and Julie have a great tradition of posting these funny memes for each other and then you throw in the siblings and we have a free for all. If you followed any of that you have a pretty good idea of what it was like to grow up at our house. It was crazy, chaotic and full of laughter, love and unconditional support.
We truly were raised believing we could do and be anything. We were encouraged to try different things and supported as we found our passions. Julie has a lot of talents—she is a gifted writer which she uses professionally, she was a master 4-Her from public speaking to food projects to photography and the canine projects. The sewing wasn’t so much her thing. She tells a story of “the incident” where apparently she and mom agreed she wouldn’t sew anymore. I don’t remember that, but I do remember those busy weeks before the fair and I would be sewing away and Julie would be making lefsa and decorated cakes and all these amazing things. Julie truly has my mom’s gift for cooking and she takes it to the next level with her cupcakes and food dioramas.
Julie’s views may slant slightly left of the rest of the family, but mom was so proud of her and the work she does. I think that is another sign of being raised in a home where you were encouraged to have your own thoughts and pursue your passions. Julie brings those ideals to her nieces and nephews—she challenges them to think differently and try a new perspective.
Happy Birthday Julie! Your mom is amazingly proud of you, dad too. And in honor of this occasion and our mother I will buy a card and then misplace it in drawer and in 3 weeks I will send you a check with a quick note on the back of an Auntie Acid calendar.
Love you,
Brenda