Aimee is a self-professed late bloomer. In high school, she waited so long to get her license we almost got it at the same time (probably would have if I hadn't failed the first two times. :p). She didn't have her first real (if you can call it that) boyfriend till her senior year in high school. And even though she attended UCLA, she didn't actually get to a football game till after she graduated. All her life she's been about two years behind - and that's a large reason we are so close. I am two years younger than her and right on time, if not early, for most things in life. So, we did things together. I think getting married in the same year was the epitome of that theory.
But time is irrelevant in a lot of ways. Personal growth and achievement cannot be measured by cultural norms and social expectations. Does it really matter that she didn't drive till she was 18? I don't think so. So, in a more fitting way - in honor of my girl's birthday, here's my recap of what I think were some of her more telling experiences and how it has shaped her into who she is today.
Letting me copy everything she did.
When we were little she would do something, and then I would have to do the exact same thing. Typical younger sister syndrome. But she wasn't the typical older sister who would stomp off in annoyance. She happily let me play along and copy her every move. She's still like that - letting people in and not minding if they have the same sweater, like the same food, etc. She is accepting and welcoming and people are drawn to her for that.
Passing the gifted test in elementary school.
Her smarts has always been one of her greatest tool and oftentimes her weakest. It was the greatest when she passed the AP Calculus test in high school with the highest grade possible, a 5. It was the greatest when she walked across the UCLA graduation stage and was awarded Magna Cum Laude. It was her weakest when she knew better but couldn't get herself to do it because of other demons. And so it would bring her into a dark place. But her mind has defined a lot of her and so it is fitting to be here.
Being chubby and having acne in middle school.
Aimee has the softest heart to people who are outcasts, marginalized, awkward, or hurting. I think she got this during her middle school years when she was awkward and unsure of herself.
Getting slapped during lunch by Taylor...and not telling a soul.
Pleeassseee, you and I both know if anyone slapped me we'd be rolling on the floor pulling each other's hair out until someone stopped us. Oh wait, that actually happened. :p But not so with my secretive and gentle sister. When Taylor slapped her in middle school she didn't retaliate or tell anyone. Till this day, Aimee is never quite sure how to handle conflict when it is presented to her. Give her time to think on it and work it through and she's fine but in the heat of it she gets quite flustered and can't really make a fair judgment call. This is why I feel so fiercely protective of her. But I've learned, she needs to deal with it on her own.
Always being the oldest in youth group.
We grew up in a small church. That meant it was hit or miss if you had anyone in your grade in Sunday School. In middle school and high school my grade had a large group and hers had her and one other kid that came and went. That was just the way the cookie crumbled. So she naturally was part of our group. We were all equals but the guys still saw her as the one in charge. And so that part of the play defined her.
The first day of high school when she wouldn't get out of the car.
Dad drove her and a friend to Venice that first day and she just couldn't get out of the car. So, he had to drive home with her in the backseat. Of course, she eventually got out and made it through all four years and loved it. But she still has a hard time with change and transitions.
Being liked by all the guys in high school.
She hates when I bring this up almost as much as Blane does, but you can't pretend the truth wasn't the truth. Fact: Aimee bloomed into this pretty young thing in high school and couldn't keep the suitors away. And although she denied the attention she did learn to use that for her good! :p bahahaha
Struggling with an eating disorder and depression and eventually rising out of it.
As you probably know, for many years Aimee struggled with depression and an eating disorder. And although the struggle doesn't define her now, it still plays a huge role in who she is, what she is passionate about today, and how she lives her life. She told me once that she was afraid of how I would see her after I found out about the eating disorder. But, in truth, it has made me look up to her even more because she fought against it and is winning.
Reading back many of these things are negative experiences. That was not my initial intent. Can you see the beauty that rose from the ashes? I am still amazed and thankful to Jesus for creating such a beautiful person. She is loving, caring, gentle, and loyal. All these ups and downs do not define her, they have refined her.
Aimee, may others have the same tenacity you have to bloom - no matter how late in life. Happy 32nd Birthday!
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