I'll Stand By You...

When Cassidy was in first grade she wrote a letter to Santa asking for a brother. It took three more years, but her request was finally granted when Eli arrived on the scene. Sometimes in life, wishes come true more than once. In a P.E. class at Skyline High, Cassidy was reunited with her twin brother from another mother. Oddly, he even had the right name. Cody. Cassidy and Cody. The perfect pairing for a set of siblings. Afterall, if it's good enough for the kids of Kathie Lee Gifford, it's good enough for me. Over the past four years, this brother-sister relationship has grown into something so much more than anyone could've imagined. They complete each other's sentences. They have their own lingo. They know what the other one is thinking without a word being said. They keep each other in line with eye smacks and sarcasm. They have a favorite game they like to play. It's called "Say Ten Things While I Whack You On The Head". So, for old time's sake, here goes the "Ten Things" game one last time. If you are so inclined, hit yourself on the forehead while you read this list.

1. They appreciate fine footwear. Sometimes so much, in fact, that the fine footwear is damaged beyond repair. (CODY!)

2. They love all thing$ Beyonce' and all thing$ Bling!

3. They have a fine sense of style. For the final dance of their high school careers, Cody came dress shopping, and Cassidy went tux shopping. No bias involved here, but they all looked

ROCKIN' HOT!

4. Secretly, I think they are spies. They know everything and anything about every one and every thing. However, they are great protectors of each others' secrets and never share things with others that would be hurtful or damaging. They've got each others' backs!

5. As far as twins go, this pair is smart! Very smart. They studied their way through AP English, AP Government, AP Literature, and a myriad of other classes, every time coming out on top, or very close to it.

6. In true brother/sister fashion, they are fierce protectors of each other's hearts. When one heart gets broken, the other is there to pick up the pieces and put it all back together.

7. They are keepers of all the commandments, especially the one about 'Honor thy father and mother.' In some cases, this includes 'grandmother' and 'brother and sister' as well. Both Cody and Cassidy are respectful and helpful and kind and considerate. They make their parents and siblings proud. ALL of their parents. ALL of their siblings. REAL and adopted. I know Deedra and Jolene are thankful that Cody has a safe harbor here in our home, and Phillip and I are grateful as well that Cassidy has such a fine example in her other 'mother and grandmother.'

And while Cody gained another sister and another brother, Cassidy's brother wish came true yet again. Perhaps in a few years, we will have another post about my second set of twins from another mother--Eli and Tyson. Chapter. Two.
8. They keep the pets at their house. 'Nuf said.

9. Cody and Cassidy are not fence sitters. You know where they stand on everything. From movies that no one else likes but them (THE VILLAGE), to choosing the right even when there is great peer pressure (HE DIDN'T TAKE THE SIGN TO THE PREMIERE) to serving missions (JUST SAY YES!)

They stand up for what they believe. Often and always.

10. They. Are. Family.
The next few years will keep them apart, but only in miles. Connecticut and Rexburg are not very close on the map, but the connection that has been made between these two hearts will live forever.

We KNOW that Cody is going to be an awesome missionary. He has the gift of drawing everyone around him into his circle. And when he speaks, everybody listens. I don't think he knows it quite yet, but the first time he bears that powerful testimony of what he KNOWS to be the truth, people will stop and listen because when they hear him speak, they will know it is true. And a little heart here in Idaho will be feeling that same thing, too, because she, too, knows it is true.

Remember these words, "when you're feeling all alone, you won't be on your own" because we'll all be standing by you. Not physically near, but in our thoughts and in our prayers and in our hearts. We'll stand by you. We won't desert you. Even more importantly, He will be standing by you. He never deserts you. And with that many people by your side, nothing can hurt you. The sky is the limit.

Go forth and serve.