My Forever Ally
When the Lord first began to build my army, he gave me a twin...but she is much more than that. She is my person, my number one fan, my shoulder to cry on, my favorite person to laugh with, and the list goes on. I cannot imagine what my life would look like without my favorite person to walk through life with.
When this idea first came to mind to feature those the Lord has put in my life, I was greatly overwhelmed with where to start, and more specifically who to start with. But then I realized...DUH start with the one who was there with you from the very beginning (literally...we shared a womb)!
Many people tell us, "I wish I was a twin"...and we always respond with the common answer "be careful what you wish for". I used to get easily annoyed when people assume that life as a twin was always fun and drama free. That is definitely not the case, but I wouldn't want it any other way. We have had our moments of laughter and shared moments of frustrated tears. There would be times in our younger years where we would see it as a curse, always dreaming of the day we could be known as individuals instead of the pair that we were. It was challenging for us to be seen as the same person when we each had our own interests and personalities. We couldn't help the fact that we were both in the same friend group, and involved in the same activities like soccer, band, cross country...etc. We longed to be recognized as "just Hannah" or "just Hailey" because we believed we both had different things to offer the world.
We have fought our battles, supported each other through each joy, and each hardship we faced, and began to recognize the true blessing of each other in our lives. Once we moved on to college, both pursuing our passions and growing as individuals, we were able to also grow together. Being able to grow in my faith and in my different passions that were separate from Hailey, the Lord opened my eyes to how truly different we were and how those differences make our relationship even stronger.
After high school, I set out on the "quest" to deepen my faith in any way possible. I jumped at any opportunity that I felt the Lord was offering me. From working at Camp Gray the summer before college, to studying Catholic Studies at UST, to joining the Army and doing what I love most. The Lord used those opportunities not only for myself but as a way to grow with my sister as she pursued her passion in life. She fearlessly takes on the commitment to owning a horse and learning EVERYTHING there is to know (and then some) in her field of study. I have never seen anyone so passionate about their future and the new things they learn.
Hailey takes on the role of "number one fan" better than anyone I'll ever know. She is fully committed to supporting me and making it known how proud she is of me. She does it all without expecting it in return or seeking recognition. I am inspired by her love and her loyalty. She has a heart of gold and dreams that will take her far. I never have to look back to see if she is there because she is always right by my side, encouraging me to do what I do best: take the leap. To say I am blessed to have her by my side forever and always is a huge understatement.
Hay, thank you for being you and for not only being my twin but my forever friend. You are my person and I am lucky to walk through life with you!
Love ya,
Hannah Mae
