Tito and Cutie...

Your parents are my people. 

So naturally, I knew I was going to love you. 

What I didn't know, was that I was going to like you so much.

But I did. Instantly.

       And I still do. 

       And I always will. 

I remember when your parents told me they were pregnant with each of you.

The preparation and excitement that went on for nine months...

The showers...shopping...sobbing..the laughing. 

and all of a sudden....there you were. 

I watched you discover the ocean for the first time...

and firecrackers...

and bows...and boys that pull bows...

Nothing of course, compared to the preparation that went on in the heavens before any of this. You were chosen. Handpicked and Handmade by God Himself. 

Down to the very detail of your likes and dislikes....

the numbers of hairs on your head...(including all the ones Grant pulled out.)

He knows you both inside and out and made you wonderfully and perfectly.

It feels like a week ago, you were in my backseat with chubby arms, big ears, funny smiles and no front teeth. But, yesterday I saw you in the audience at your Baccalaureate Service. 

While others saw you all dressed up...grown up...I saw your eyes and they looked the same as the little kids covered in chocolate ice cream in my backseat

I've now watched most every move you've made...both good and not as good. I have watched from the front row and afar....and even from the inside of a Mule suit (after a late night)....because someone needed a horse at his cowboy party.

I recall before you could speak, such precious moments as the time you, Grant....threw my favorite keychain and keys out the sunroof as We drove down the highway. 

Thanks for that. 

Caroline....you chose to eat a bag of Oreos while taking a bubble bath at my house...the following days the plumber and I bonded. Thanks for that.

I can't wait to repay you both someday. 

For 18 years. I've cheered for you and bragged about you, as if you were my very own. 

I'm looking forward to doing exactly that from here on out. 

If you find yourself searching for the familiar next year among new surroundings- I'm a phone call away or....you can just look in the mirror and you will both see what I will always see in my heart.... 

Giggling kids in my backseat....sunroof open...music blaring. 

No matter what...don't ever question for five seconds that God believes in you 

and so do I. 

       I love you guys and I'm sure gonna miss you.

Thank You God for the time You give us with those we love.

In His Dust,

DCC