Something I have been meaning to do is write down a few of my last conversations I had with Kristi.
It has been a tradition in my family to draw names and exchange gifts every Christmas. However, for the last few years, Tommy, Holly, and I decided to forget drawing names and just all buy for Kristi. After all, she was the only one in the family who wasn’t yet married and didn’t have any kids, and Christmas was usually a sad time for her.
This last Christmas, I decided to not get her something that I didn’t think she wouldn’t use or like, so I just asked her what she needed. Our text conversation went like this:
Me: Call me when you can.
Kristi: At work. Is everything OK?
Me: No because I can’t think of what to get you for Christmas so I was just going to straight up ask you.
What do you need?
Kristi: I need shoes bad! Gift card to Vans? I dunno
Me: Give me an idea of what you like and your shoe size.
Kristi: I would really like a pair of colored Vans or something similar. Maybe red?
So I searched and searched online. Different stores, different sales. It took me hours and hours because I really wanted to find the right shoes for her. I would find a pair that I would like and then they wouldn’t have her size. It was a hassle to say the least.
Me: Â 
Me: I got you these
Kristi: You read my mind!
The next day…
Me:
Kristi: Love!
Me: Really? I have seriously been looking FOREVER.
Kristi: You are so nice! OMG
Two days later…
Me: Ugh I tried three times to get your shoes and it wouldn’t let me? Hmmmm I am going to try somewhere else.
Hours later…
Me: OK I was able to get some from the Vans website. Geez.
Kristi: Thank You!!!
A week later…
Me: You don’t get your present until Christmas. PS.
Kristi: I know… mom told me… đŚ haha
Kristi: Thanks so much, Kari. I’m in seriously such a tough spot and you caught me off guard when you said you would help me get shoes. You are so thoughtful. Wish I could do the same for you… and I truly am sorry that I can’t get you anything this year. But one day things will be better in my life and I will get you the best Christmas present ever đ
Me: Don’t worry. I have a husband who gets me presents for Christmas. All you have is us. Haha sorry that sounds depressing. But it’s true and we love you. And I never expect you to do anything for me except get yourself together and realize your worth and potential.
Kristi: Wow.. that was the nicest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m soooo grateful for a sister (and twin!) like you. And grateful for our family in general. I’d be dead now for sure without the love, encouragement, financial help, and the unconditional welcoming arms of my family. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am. This has been a lonely time for me… and getting that text about you asking what I wanted for Christmas made my whole day. Just knowing I’m thought about and cared about makes all the difference in my struggles. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Christmas Day…
Kristi: Thank you soooo much! I LOVE them. I would have picked them out myself! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Me: Yay! You’re welcome. They fit?
Me: Take a picture. I want to see them.
Kristi:
Perfect size!
Me: They’re cute!
Kristi: I knowwww! So excited!
I’m so glad I took the time to pick out shoes for her. I’m grateful such a small thing like that meant so much more to her.
Next time, I will write about our last conversation I had with her the Wednesday before she left.
Dear Kristi, 