The Wedding Party: Lauren Rising

I am so excited to begin telling y'all about my sisters, starting with the sister I am gaining through this life-changing time. Lauren Rising is Al's younger (and only) sister. They are almost four years apart, and their relationship is truly special. I have seen first-hand how much they love and protect each other, and it makes me so happy to know Al has that relationship in his life. But enough about them for now... let me tell you about MY relationship with Lauren. Lauren and I both have this vague memory of each other at a swimming pool in a neighborhood when I was about to start high school. Lauren swears I made an awful face at her... I think by now she knows that's just my face 😂. We then officially met when I joined the youth group at Jennies Branch the summer after my freshman year. Lauren and I were good friends before Al and I ever started dating. She and her mom used to take me home after church on Wednesday nights, and we really got to know each other well during that time. Lauren knew my feelings for Al long before anyone else did. To this day I still feel bad because when I would go over to their house to hang out with Lauren, I would end up hanging out with Al more than I did her because I just had to be around him. Hopefully she forgives me for that now 😘. Lauren has been my little sister for almost seven years now, but I am overjoyed that in a year and one week we will be making it official!

One of my favorite memories with Lauren is when she performed a solo in one of her dance competitions. I helped Lauren pick out the song she danced to, and one night before the first time she performed the solo, she and I went to the fellowship hall at church and she rehearsed for hours trying to perfect it. That night, it was just me and her, and I was so proud watching her do what she loved. The next day, I was with her the whole day as she got ready for competition. I drove her to the auditorium and on the way there, she told me she could feel herself getting anxious. Right there in the car, I grabbed her hand and we prayed about her nerves and her performance. When we got to Odell, she asked me if I would sit backstage as she performed. I think I was more nervous than she was watching that dance because I had seen it 4,862 times, but she nailed every step. For the first time in my life, I got to be the proud big sister instead of the proud little sister, and it was such a special moment for me. Every time I think about Lauren dancing, I get teary-eyed because she was so passionate about it and was such a beautiful dancer. She has tried for years to teach me some of her moves, but again... ya girl can't dance. Lauren has given me so many proud big sister moments, and for that I am so grateful.

As all sisters do, Lauren and I have had our fair share of disagreements. I take my role of big sister very seriously, so sometimes I'm a little overprotective of her. It has been such a joy watching her grow from an awkward middle school girl to the beautiful young woman she is today. I love that Lauren calls me to ask me questions about school because I can relate or when she texts me to see if I can come over because she hasn't seen me in a few weeks. Our relationship is not dependent on mine and Al's relationship. Frankly, before Al and I were a couple, Lauren was the one I would cry and talk bad about Al to because I secretly hoped she would go home and tell him to choose me (lol). Lauren would still be a part of my life even if Al was not. Luckily, we don't have to worry about that anymore because we're sealing the deal! Lauren has given me the opportunity to influence her life, and my prayer is that I am always a positive influence for her. No matter how many times we disagree, Lauren is the only little sister I'll ever get, and I will always cherish that. Our relationship is so special to me, and I am excited to continue to watch it develop throughout our lifetime together.

Lauren is a creative and feisty spirit. She sees the world through artistic eyes and is so good at turning something ugly into something beautiful. When I say she is a feisty spirit, I literally mean she is a firecracker. She does not put up with anyone's mess and will be the first to tell you when you've done something to offend her. She is not afraid to stand up for herself and the people she loves, and that is something I admire about her. She has a boldness in her convictions and is not easily swayed. Although she could probably take on even the strongest of people, she has a very sensitive and loving heart. She genuinely loves people and wants everyone to be happy. She is a loyal friend even to those who are not loyal to her, and I am so proud of her for always being the bigger person. Lauren is so special and is going to do amazing things with her life. It makes me so happy to know I will be here to see her become the person God made her to be. 

As I said before, Al and Lauren have such a sweet brother-sister relationship. I know Lauren adores Al, and whether she knows it or not, Al adores her just as much. Lauren, Al, and I have spent a lot of time together over the last six years, especially when Al lived at home. The one thing that made Al the most sad about leaving home was leaving Lauren. He has been able to watch over her for her whole life, and once he moved out, he wasn't able to do that anymore. I know they both wish they were able to spend more time together, but their relationship is still just as strong today as when they were little. Lauren has been such a big part of our relationship. She is always encouraging us, taking pictures of us, and loving us even when we're being ridiculous. She was there the day Al and I got engaged, and she has been such a big help in the planning process. She is always willing to do anything I need her to, and that means so much to me. I know Lauren is Al's sister, but I am so glad she will be standing by my side as I become a member of her family.

Lauren Taylor, you are an irreplaceable part of my life. You are one of my favorite people to spend time with, and I'm so thankful you are never too busy for me. You are a great friend to me and a wonderful sister to both of us. You are going to be a beautiful bridesmaid, and I am honored to have you stand by me as I promise your brother forever. I am looking forward to all this life will bring us as a family. I can't wait for this season of life as we become sisters, and I can't wait to one day make you an auntie. Life is so much better with you in it, and I am so grateful for you. I love you more than you know and will always be here overprotecting you.