Be grateful

Be grateful

 

With all of the loss I have suffered in my life, the biggest piece of advice I could give someone is to be grateful for life but especially for FAMILY. Yes they may drive you crazy, they may BE CRAZY, maybe they cause drama, maybe they fight, they may be loud and obnoxious but you know what? FAMILY IS FOREVER. Be grateful you still have family even the dysfunctional ones. Some is better than none. And during the holidays when you are all together, savor it, enjoy it and relish in the fact that you do have family. You may dread the get togethers and all the multiple visits now but one day when they are gone you will wish you had enjoyed it more. That is something my mom always told me when I was a kid before I suffered the biggest loss in my childhood, my great grandmother. As I got older and matured some, I wanted to spend less time with her and wanted to be with my friends and cousins and not do simple things like watch wheel of fortune and play wahoo with my granny. My mom harped on me for the longest time telling me to enjoy her and spend time with her because one day she would be gone and I would regret not having more time with her. Boy was she right. I was 13 and she died the day after my birthday. That was the beginning of many losses for me but what my mom told me has stuck with me over the years and it’s something I tell my children a LOT.

Family doesn’t have to be blood either, friends make the best family. I am blessed enough to have a handful of friends that are there for me when it counts, they get me and they cherish me; all of my crazy and quirky ways. That counts bigtime in the family tree! I don’t need a lot because what I do have isn’t about the number but more about the friendship. Soul mates, that’s what they are! “I would rather have four quarters than 100 pennies”, any day.  

Not only have I been blessed with wonderful friends I have been lucky enough to marry into a big accepting family that has taken me in as one of their own and treated me as their own. I feel so incredibly blessed and loved by them and I’m so thankful that I have been able to spend 16 years (almost) and counting with them and they have ALWAYS been there when I needed them and even when I didn’t think I needed anyone. They are the true definition of what a real family is.

All of this fills my cup with love and believe me I am thankful, grateful and blessed. I hope that during this holiday season you realize just how blessed YOU are as well. Cherish these times. Life goes by so fast so enjoy every minute.