Two Peas in a Pod

Two years ago today, we added another daughter to our fold, when youngest son Kyle married Dani.  Dani was an only child and how she blends in so well with this huge, loud, crazy family we will never know, but we are sure blessed that she does.  Two months after they were married, Kyle's sisters Karen and Jamie each gave birth less than forty eight hours apart.  I remember reading Dani's facebook post that read "I'm an aunt again for the second time in two days!  I love this family!"  How could we not fall in love with a girl like that!

When Kyle first started kindergarten, he was in the same class as a sweet special needs girl named Tristan.  Teachers constantly told me how compassionate and kind Kyle was to Tristan.  I was told that for many years the school made sure that they were both in the same class because Kyle was so helpful to her.  In junior high and high school, it was common for Tristan to see him across the track field or gym and run across to say hi and give him a big hug.  One time when a carnival was in town, Tristan's mother looked for Kyle to ask him if he would take Tristan on a few of the rides.  Tristan moved to a much bigger town, three hours away, when her and Kyle were Sophomore's in high school.  Occasionally he would get a text from her on the phone, but other than that, Tristan was just a fond memory.

Unbeknown to us, in the town that Tristan moved to was another Sophomore named Dani.  Their class had two hundred and fifty kids in it instead of the forty some that were in Kyle's class.  Nevertheless, Dani noticed Tristan and she always made a point to visit with her and help her out if she ever saw her having trouble with anything.  Several years later, Kyle attended college in Dani and Tristan's home town.  Kyle and Dani met and the rest, as they say, is history.

When their wedding day arrived, Tristan was one of the invited guests and her Mom and Dad brought her to the reception and dance.  She was so excited to see both Dani and Kyle and to be a part of their big day.  During the dance, several times through the night, we would see either Dani or Kyle dancing with Tristan.  At one time, we looked up and they were sitting on the edge of the stage with Tristan in between them!  Typically, they didn't worry one bit about themselves, or about it being "their day", but instead made sure she felt completely welcome and included.  

Now, two years later, they have both finished their first year of teaching special ed students.  They both love their jobs and you can tell they have a passion and love for the children they teach.   I know people say that opposites attract, but other than the only child / big family thing, Dani and Kyle seem to have an awfully lot in common.  We sure are glad their "pod" happens to be in our area, and I've been told there are a few parents and students who feel the same way!