The cool air splashed us in the face as we entered the ice arena, and the chill was a refreshing break from the desert oven. We sat on the benches outside the frosty rink, hunched over, and laced up our skates. One, then the next. We pulled them tight, securely knotting each one before letting loose on the ice for Amy’s birthday. Amy’s not much of a skater, so she crept gingerly toward the rink door, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, stopping every now and then to catch herself and regain her balance. She was intimidated. Who wouldn’t be? It was Family Night. Family Night. The main lights were off. The multi-colored spotlights were flashing. Toddlers were crying. Teenyboppers were teeny bopping. The adults were terrified. So, as we made our way through the minefield of lost scarves, flying mittens, and slip-sliding little bodies, Amy gripped Jordan’s arm, held on for dear life, but felt so happy, because her friends were there, too. In the midst of the chaos, she had people to lean on. People to smile at. People to laugh with. People to do life with.
To all of our friends who skated with us in the rink that night and to those who skate with us through life, whether in person or online, we love you. We’re more thankful for your friendship than you’ll ever know, and from the bottom of our heart, thank you for giving us people to lean on when we’re sure-footed, and when we’re struggling on skates.
Here are a few images from Amy’s birthday week. Yes, week! Every time we look at these images, we’re reminded that God has blessed us with the greatest friends, the ones who we get to share our biggest struggles and our happiest moments with, and we couldn’t be more thankful for them. They spoiled the heck out of Amy this week with thoughtful celebrations and way too many sweets. Thank you for making Amy feel so loved and special. We love you guys!