The funny part is that until a week ago, I had been off Facebook for almost a month. It was leaving me unhappy and unfulfilled, so I took a break. You know what? Though I sidestepped a lot of drama, I was also missing people. My family. Let's make that plural. Families. When all this stuff hit the roof and I realized we'd be seeing less of each other in person, I decided to hop back on Facebook, and this was the first memory that came up. Kind of uncanny, isn't it? I'm a person that doesn't put too much stock in the idea of coincidences-I believe there is a purpose to be found in anything, and this was just the beginning.
Starting with my own, immediate family, well I just couldn't begin to describe the love I have for them. We have survived all kinds of hell (like every family out there) and made it through thus far. The things I have learned from each of them just can't be measured. They have made me a better person and (I hope) a better wife and mother. The perspective and learning I receive from them is astounding. I am a person that loves all perspectives and they give me so much. My kids are so knowledgeable. I'm no dummy but the things they come up with just blow my mind sometimes. I learn more from them than they do from me. My son in law is a dream. I know Cassie's special spirit needed someone just like him to be able to help her grow and thrive and gain the self esteem she has. I treasure each one of them. I am blessed because of them.
And then extended family....I do, most certainly have goodly parents who sacrificed many things for us to have what we do, and wanted our happiness above their own. I know my father is helping us from above while my angel mother takes care of the WHOLE WORLD down here. My sisters are so diverse in their own rights, but also harbor along with me so many things in common with the way we were raised and our views of love and the world. I adore them and their families. I was blessed with marvelous in-laws. It always astounds me how much alike Chad's and my parents raised us. Our mothers even cook the same. They taught us well. They have loved us well. I adore them.
Our families through the generations have not been perfect. They have been perfectly human, and are all growing and learning at different times and paces, but they are MINE and I am grateful. I want nothing but the best for each of them, no matter where they are. We lost an angel from our family just yesterday, and I am so very grateful for the family that took care of her here, and for the family that met her as she crossed over. Knowing she had family to meet her there and draw her in is the only way I am staying sane through this. I wish I could post pictures of ALL of my family, but they wouldn't mean as much to you as they do to me. But families- I LOVE YOU. NO CONDITIONS, NO BOUNDARIES, EVERY DAY, EVERY TIME. Are we perfect? Absolutely not. Have we had our problems? You dang-betcha. But I love you. Forever.
 |
| @hollowcoves |
Then there are the Fremlies (thank you Kellers for that fabulous name!) The people that you meet that you KNOW God sent into your life to be part of your extended family....and again, there's not enough room on the internet for these people in our lives. I don't want ANYONE feeling left out if your picture isn't here. I only have so much space and so many ways to get pictures. (And for the record, the pictures I am using are either mine personally or have had them shared with me by the person or persons in them.) You are LOVED IMMENSELY WHETHER YOU SEE YOURSELF ON HERE OR NOT. These are people you would have chosen as your own family. The ones you loved immediately. The ones that drop everything for you or at least tell you they are there even if they can't be physically. They are the ones you know you knew in heaven, and as soon as you meet them here on earth, you realize you already recognize them and love them. Friendships with Fremlies-like anything else in life-have ebbs and flows, but those relationships are never forgotten or left from the heart because you know they are true gifts from God. Love the Fremlies and God bless them.
I could go on. Neighbors, Church family, Work family, Gym family (no I don't have one of those but I know it's important to some) Childhood family, Healthcare family, Shopping family....it just goes on. Now I know relationships are HARD. There are different views, misunderstandings, heartaches, times when those relationships go silent, and life gets in the way. Well, LIFE HAS CLEARED THE WAY. You didn't even need to ask. Fix those relationships. Bring those families together-starting with your own. Realize NO ONE is perfect. We are slowing down, taking inventory, having to find ways to stay in touch. Disease, earthquakes, food hoarding. (and no, I won't mention the bad words with the initials TP ) have made me stop and think. Ponder on my blessings. Understand that no matter where I stand with others. it's time to let them know they stand in a great place with me. That I love you. That in reality, WE ARE ALL FAMILY. We need to take care of each other. We need to treasure ALL the family we have. All the time. And BE grateful.
 |
| I LOVE YOU!!!!! |
 |
| Stay safe!!! |
*******This one is dedicated to Charlee and her amazing family 💗💗💗💗💗
