David; My twin

He was born 7 minutes before me. He struggled with his breathing at first. Trouble from a breech birth. Mom says they took him away, and by the time I was born he was breathing just fine. I like to think he was just making my journey into this world a bit easier. You see, he is the sweetest, most tender-hearted, caring guy I know. To this very day he makes my journey in this life a bit easier. Just knowing he is here, is everything. He has no idea how much he means to me.

Mom said we had our own language. As a child, he couldn't pronounce my name. 'Diane' was turned into 'IE'. It's the name I still go by from my siblings and nieces. What no one knows is how much I love it! I love it mostly because he came up with it. It's just a nickname, but it's mine! A tiny, unintentional gift from him, my twin.

Unknowingly, he was always my protector. Around him, my safe place. Safe from all my fears. Safe from things he never knew anything about. He took up for me when I needed him to, and comforted me when I had fallen low.

Today, he is not only the brother I used to play with in the mud and dirt, not only the worst student in my pretend classroom, and not only the brother who was so accident prone. He, you see, is intelligent, very loving, would give you the shirt off of his back, a wonderful son and father, will make you pee yourself from laughter with his humor, has the biggest heart ever, can calm you down with reason, and make you know that everything is going to be ok. (and it will be ok)

This guy, he's not just my brother, he is my twin. And I love him more than any words could ever explain.

With love always,
IE
xoxo

An Old Soul and A sentimental Fool-a rambling

Often I've been told I have an old soul. I have to say, I agree. My love for vintage kinda says it all. I have loved old things for as long as I can remember. I have a rather large collection of very old books that I took as a small child, without permission, I might add, from my grandparents home library. I was intrigued by their smell alone. To this very day, I love the smell of an old book.

I'm a sentimental fool, and can't stand the thought of not possessing the collection of things that once belonged to my Granny Newsome. She was the best. A true southern lady. I cherish every memory I have of her and all of the things she taught me. My most favorite person of all time. Full of love and life. I miss her every single day! What I wouldn't give just to pick peas with her one more time!!!

When using an old wooden spoon, I can't help wondering- How many dishes has it been in? Drinking from an old coffee cup- How many cups have been served from it? Wearing an old apron- Who wore it? Who made it? 
I'm sure I've talked about this before. I guess it's on my mind again. I feel like I'm keeping it all alive! Giving it all a second chance. We all need second chances. Don't we? I think so. Life is so precious. It's fragile and short. We all need to take a step back, and just breathe it all in. Enjoy this moment, for this moment is your Life!!

Sending love and light,
Diane