Those McRae Women...

If you haven't met these five women you are really missing out. These are my four aunts and my mother. =) Five of the most phenomenal women and people on the planet. And this blog is dedicated to them...

I write when I'm inspired. It's the times when they are the most genuine and passionate. This past week I've spent a lot of time getting my application for Uganda ready and it's been a lot of work. My mom told my aunts about the process and they did what they always do... shower me with love, support and encouragement.

The same night that my mom sent them an email I got FOUR emails of encouraging words and unbelievable love. As I was reading these emails and what all of them were saying about what kind of young woman I've grown into, I began to realize it's because of them. These five women and their mother(my gram) have given me the most incredible examples of what a beautiful, strong, compassionate, hardworking, funny, intelligent woman really is.

So in this blog I just want to say something to each of them as a thank you for what they've done for me.

To Aunt Michele: You are such a support system for me. You are always the first one to encourage and compliment me. You have always made me feel so special and unique. You've admired me as my own person not just your niece. You are so wise and loving... I hope to get that from you. You are so calm and patient and a wonderful Matriarch to your sisters. I admire you more than you'll ever know. =)

To Aunt Marquette: You have inspired me and truly set an example I strive to follow daily. You are adventurous, spontaneous, creative and passionate about your life. That has been one of my favorite things about for as long as I can remember. I try everyday to be exciting and enjoy life like you do. You are such a model for who I want to become. Your optimistic outlook has been a pivotal stepping stone in my life. =)

To Aunt Monique: You are such a hard worker. Your work ethic is incredible. If I can become HALF of the worker you are I would consider myself abnormally lucky. =) But you also have been a wonderful mother and raised two of my favorite people on this planet. :) And not to mention how stinkin' hilarious you are.... seriously....you ALWAYS keep me rollin'. It is my privilege to call you family. =)

To Aunt Marissa: You have such a special place in my heart. Your strong will and perseverance has always guided me. You have ALWAYS, ALWAYS treated me like your own. I have admired you my entire life. Your strength is captivating and I can only pray that I will be such a strong woman, wife and mother one day. Not to mention your HUGE heart and fantastic sense of humor! You have molded me in countless ways

And last but not least to Momma: You are the greatest woman I have ever known... (no offense to the rest of the McRae clan ;)) Your humble spirt. Your compassionate heart. Your love for others above yourself. Your sense of service. You are giving, smart, SO hard working, driven, humble, honest, loving and the best mother anyone could ever ask for. Everyday that I wake up I want to be more like you. I want to trust in the Lord the way that you do. I want to be peaceful and loving like you are. Above all, I want to be the kind of mother that you are. You have been a listening ear, a disciplinarian, an advisor, a partner, an encourager, an honest voice in a deceptive world, my number one cheerleader and my best friend. =) You know that I love you to the moon and back & I hope you always remember that not a day goes by that I am not on my knees thanking the Lord for you. I love you momma, =)

But it would be wrong to write all of this and not mention that I am who I am because of these women and they are who they are because of these two people: my grandparents. Thank you Grandmommy & Grandaddy for creating this McRae legacy that you both built from scratch on the importance of family, honoring your mother, loving everyone, serving, giving, LAUGHING, supporting, working hard and giving back. I could not be more proud to be apart of this family and I am BLESSED to know and love all of you. =)