Keep it Together

So engagements photos were scheduled for this morning. Leave it to me to be shopping late the evening before trying to decide what to wear. Here is a small known fact; I work in retail but my fashion sense is not up to par. My sister, Hannah, however is amazing in that department. When Hannah was 3 years old she would beg Ambyr and I to make dresses out of blankets for her. We'd eventually concede and drape her in sheets and sheathes. Hannah would first study the ensemb in the full length mirror, analyse it for a bit, and then advise us on how we needed to adjust the robes to fit her vision. My point is she has always had that flare for fashion and thus the perfect person to assist me in my endeavor. Hannah is a full time senior at BYU, works part time, and is also getting ready for her wedding so she has a very busy schedule. Taking this into consideration, I was hesitant to call upon her. But she was my one hope at finding the perfect engagement photo outfit so I got up the nerve to ask her for some help. She was kind enough to relinquish her Friday afternoon to helping the cause. We found a lot of very cute things, but settled on two Banana Republic dresses and an Anthropology dress. Hannah was so sweet to give up her time and share her talent to help me. It was a really fun afternoon and it got me to thinking how much I really enjoy all of my siblings for different reasons. I woke up this morning thinking about how great all three of them are. Then this Madonna song popped into my head out of nowhere and before I knew it I was in tears. It's a song titled "Keep it Together". When I was little my mother used to play this song for me. She would first sing it and then turn the volume down and explain the words to me. Now this may sound strange unless you one, know my mom, and two know my families love for music. Especially music that so articulately and emotionally phrases thoughts and feelings in a way mere words can't. You may hear the song playing on this page but if you don't let me highlight the parts my mother used to.

I got brothers
I got some sisters too
Stuck in the middle
Tell you what I'm gonna do
Gonna get out of here
I'm gonna leave this place
So I can forget
Every single hungry face
I'm tired of sharing all the hand me downs
To get attention I must always be the clown
I wanna be different
I wanna be on my own
But daddy [mommy] said listen
You will always have a home
Keep it together in the family
They're a reminder of your history
Brothers and sisters they hold the key
To your heart and your soul
Don't forget that your family is gold


So many lines in this song explain how I felt growing up but most importantly my mother always reminded me that my siblings are the most important people in my life, and nothing could be more true.


My brother has so many great qualities. He the most kind and caring man I know. He will drop anything to help other people. Many times we have invited him to family events and he politely declines due to some dutiful task he has already committed to; be it helping someone move, driving my grandfather to a doctor's appointment, or an ASOC (Associated Students of Ohlone College) meeting which he attends to try to help make his school a better place for the students. Ambyr and I often discuss how Kenny has the biggest heart of any man we know. If I tell him a sad story he cries with me. If I tell him a happy story, he rejoices with me (and cries a little). He has an incredible amount of empathy for all people which is such a rare trait and one that I have grown to value. Kenny is here on this earth at this time to make a difference. His leadership qualities leave nothing for want. He is featured each week in his college news publication, in several different articles. Kenny has always been an amazing example to me.
One day when we were of elementary school age a bully named Jason Archuleta followed us home from school, with his "posse" in tow taunting and teasing my brother (Ken had recently transferred in from a different school). Apparently Kenny had unintentionally stolen the affections of Jason's girlfriend. Picture this: seven year old Heather, nine year old Ambyr, and eleven year old Kenny walking home being followed by 3-5 eleven year old's on bikes. The whole walk home Ambyr and I were sobbing begging Jason to leave us alone. About half way home Jason got off of his bike and confronted Kenny. Kenny started to cry and begged Jason not to make him punch him. Jason replied by pushing my brother. Kenny promptly punch Jason square in the jaw, sending the bully sailing over his bicycle. The posse scattered, leaving Jason face to face with the my brother. Kenny immediately apologized, helped Jason up and started on the walk home. This experience has always stuck with me. Ken showed great restraint until he was forced to defend himself. When he triumphed over his adversary, he showed humility and grace (yes boys can also show grace). My brother is a great man, and I can't wait to see all of the good he does in this world, at a time where we really need it. I have a million thoughts and memories flooding my head right now and I could literally go on and on about my love for my older brother.

I have mentioned how sweet and talented Hannah is and how kind and loving Kenny is but I have not yet mentioned the one peer I have that has influenced my life the very most, my older sister Ambyr. All of my memories growing up feature Ambyr. My most testimony building experience to date happened all because of her. She is the one I go to when I need advice, help, love, or relief.
Ambyr and I grew up sharing a bed together, and I was a kicker. Instead of forcing me to find slumber elsewhere, Ambyr decided to sleep on the box spring on the floor. I can't imagine how uncomfortable that must've have been, but she never complained, this is a great example of the type of sister, mother, and friend Ambyr is.
Ambyr has more passion than anyone I have ever known. She has so much conviction in what she says and in what she believes, she inspires me on a regular basis.
While reviewing some pictures of my childhood I found a theme; in every picture that Ambyr and I were both in, she has her arm around me. To me this was really symbolic of her feelings for me: she keeps me close, and protected.
When I'd first graduated from BYU- Hawaii I didn't quite know what to do professionally. I missed my friends, I didn't know where to go, and Ambyr insisted I move in with she and Tyler until things fell into place. She then took me to various temp agencies until I was placed at the perfect job. Ambyr encouraged me to keep persisting to work at the Gap and for my interview she helped me to choose the perfect interview suit. Ambyr is my safe haven, and my best friend

The point is I have been so blessed to have such amazing siblings and a mother who made sure I would nurture these relationships.