Aubry in San Diego.

There are so many people on this earth that have similar lives. Each day we all go through the motions of living yet each of us has our own version of the story. The story of life.

If I had a twin out there it would be Aubry. Our life stories are parallel in SO many ways. It's true- we are both directionally challenged! However, our similarities are mostly within the hardships we have experienced. You know, the part of life that chews you up spits you out and leaves you there with a choice. To be consumed by the pain or to get back up and stand. It's a choice. Aubry and I made the choice to stand back up every time the hammer of life would pound us into the ground like a tent stake. A simple decision to get back up is so pivotal because I believe it's the part of life that molds us, shapes us and makes us stronger each time we are tested. It defines who we are. If we didn't have an age difference, I would swear we were separated at birth.

Aubry is my cousin and I hadn't seen her in over twelve years. Last time I saw her she was still a spunky little girl. So, when she picked me up from the airport- I was in awe. When I looked into her eyes I saw my own. Before my visit I had imagined being a tourist while Aubry gave me a personal tour of the city. Aubry in San Diego unvieled something much much better to me. Instead of a city tour, we happily found ourselves stationary on her living room couch each day. We talked- that's it. She talked, I listened. I talked, she listened. Occasionally we breathed when we started to feel lightheaded. Oh don't worry, we took the occasional latte break to refuel before resuming our positions. After all, we did have many years to catch up on!

The second time I visited Aubry in San Diego we actually left the couch a bit more. We went to the backyard and took some pictures!

Here is Aubry in San Diego!

Gotta love her laugh!

She's a desert girl that surfs- it's total body work out. Here is the proof!! On a side note I must confess two things... 1. Aubry took me surfing and I learned that I cannot surf. 2. I am so jealous of her amazing surfers body!
This is a spin off of the classic cig shot- Aubry is not a smoker.

She is very flexible...

....and does this for her 'party trick.'
Spunk.

This is me and Aubry. The first photo we ever took together!
I love this one!

I am so proud of you Aubry. I know I should have told you this when I said goodbye to you at the airport or while leaving a permanent couch print in your living room. I admire you for breaking the cycles- for finding a way out of the hard circular patterns of life. Thank you for not compromising yourself or your values and for holding onto your spunk. I think about the words of Gandhi you hand painted on your wall: Be the change you wish to see in the world. Thank you Aubry! I love you for the person you choose to be.