10: New decade, same Jessi

My big sister turned 30 on Friday.   Over the years, I’ve seen her life change, her roles change, and her circumstances change. But through it all, “Messi Jessi” is still the same ole “Messi Jessi.”  

For context, it’s important to know who Jessi’s always been. Jessi was the sister who routinely casted her siblings in her home made “talent shows.”  Jessi was the kid who scored on the wrong basketball hoop and proceeded to jump up and down with her teammates in celebration. Jessi was the student who would take Halloween, Theme Parties, and School Spirit Days to new and ridiculous levels.  Jessi was the employee who blew out her shoulder attempting one handed push ups during her Vanguard orientation. Jessi was the girl that was always there any time a charity needed help, an organization needed leadership, a person needed a friend, or a celebration needed a spark plug. Now, I get to see Jessi as the “Mom” who stumbles over toys while dancing around the house with Leila.  She’s never been the smoothest or the most methodical, but she’s always been eager to throw herself 200% at something and leave everyone with a more enjoyable experience.  

Her 30th birthday got me thinking.  Through all of our different life stages, what changes in us and what remains constant?  What defining moments write the chapter of each decade? What themes tie together our entire story?

Regardless of what the thirties bring Jess, I anticipate and hope we’ll get to see the same girl on a new stage.  She’s shown me that you can enter any role, environment, or circumstance being fully you. She’s shown me how to evolve what you do without ever having to change who you are. I strive to be the same way.

Happy Birthday, Jess.  Enjoy the Thirties. I’m excited to read the next chapter.