Family...

The last few days have been spent visiting with family down from Oregon, and of course, spending time with my grandmother. It's so nice when our family is together and I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

I believe that family is SO important. I want to make sure Emily grows up knowing that. I want to give her closeness with her family, like I have with mine.

I know some families have disagreements, disappointments, hard feelings and resentments from things that may have happened in the past. It seems like the common denominator in families is that most people can not even remember what they are fighting about! All I can say is that it DOES NOT matter what may have happened. It honestly doesn't. We are all human, we all make mistakes. We all, at some point in our lives, disappoint others, hurt others and argue with others. Some of the choices we make in our own lives may not be what others think are the best, but they are OUR choices. Just like your family members...whatever choices they make, they are THEIR choices. No one said you have to agree with them, but just remember they are your blood, they are part of you. They are human, just like we are. No one is perfect. I personally think it is so important to heal wounds and move forward before it's too late. I have seen people regret not making amends and that, in itself, can tear you down quicker than you can imagine. I know it isn't easy, but it's so important to move forward with peace in your heart. You have the time NOW to make amends for any ill-feelings toward any of your family members and I urge all of you reading to take that into consideration before it's too late.

I also want to urge all of you to hold all your family members close. Keep them as close to you as possible. Go out of your way to be a part of their lives and allow them to be a part of yours. The time you neglect now may catch up with you at some point and you may be left saying "I wish I would have spent more time" or "I wish I had made more of an effort". I am learning that is life is SO short. It's shorter than we think. We can think of someone that is older, like my grandmother, and think "wow, she lived a long, good life", and she has. But really, 85 years doesn't seem long enough to me. I wish she had 85 more left.

So once again, hold your family close. Make amends NOW before it's too late. Practice patience and tolerance. Love unconditionally. Create memories. Show up. Be there. Listen. Laugh. Love.

I am so honored to have these wonderful people in my life...

My Aunt Susie and Cousin Michael...



My Uncle Jackie (left), and Uncle Denny (whom I am named after) on the right. They are the BIGGEST goof balls and they were totally making weird faces for this picture...



My grandmother "Mam-ma" to the grandkids, "Mimi" to the great-granchildren, playing with Emily



My Uncle Jackie, My Mom, My Uncle Denny, and my grandmother



My favorite cousin Michael (my grandma's great-grandson), Myself, and my grandmother...



My Aunt Beth holding and feeding Emily...



It's dark, but this is my heart, my grandmother, Mabel ("Mam-ma" pronounced Mamaw)



And my amazing Mother...