This blog is dedicated to the Jolley family because you’ve been some of my biggest support while in Ireland. But best of yet, I have my Godmother in Ireland with me! While here, Leslie and I conquered the Carrick-a-rope bridge, downtown Belfast and the Giants Causeway which has long been on my list of things to do! We had beautiful weather, hardly a cloud in the sky. It was by far one of the most spectacular weekend trips I’ve had while here in Ireland. I could not be any more thankful for the lovely company of my Aunt!
The Jolley family holds a very special place in my heart. My Aunt Leslie and Uncle Wayne were very close friends with my mom when she was younger. Over the years their friendship became a family. They’ve never forgotten to wish me a happy birthday, send Christmas cards, nor miss an opportunity to support me. This family drove an hour and a half to meet me at my most recent fundraiser in honour of my mom. They are everything a blood relative is made of… and then some. But Aedan, Bella, Tristan, Theresa, and Tempe make me the happiest person in the world. I absolutely love spending time with them. We have sleepovers where we build tents, watch Disney movies, and read bed time stories. In the summer, we go swimming, play hide-and-seek, chase each other in tag, go to watch fireworks, and enjoy ice cream.
Our weekly skype calls give me something to look forward too! I love hearing about the kids; Aedan is running close to the same number of miles as me per week, Bella is pedalling circles around everyone on her bike, Tristan is learning all about dinosaurs which I loved at his age, Theresa is a magnificent violin player, and Tempe makes the best cupcake sandwiches in the Northeast. Each of them is unique in their talents, but they all share one amazing common trait… a caring, compassionate, and loving heart.
The really special part about them is in their smiles. See, you can’t have a bad day around a Jolley, it’s impossible. They are happy and will do whatever they can to include everyone in their happiness. I find myself having more fun with them then most people my age because of their genuineness. I understand why my mom had such a strong friendship with Leslie and Wayne. I love the Jolley family, every single one of them.
“Being family means that you will love and be loved for the rest of your life no matter what.”
