Family
Family plays a huge part in who we've become.
For the most part, family has taught us about discipline,
patience, and how to love. This past weekend, while at a wedding rehearsal, the importance of family came flooding back. As the families of the bride and groom began showing up, there were suddenly many very little nieces and nephews running around.
Looking at the young couple, I started thinking about them someday soon having children of their own. It brought back memories of playing with my cousins when the families came together. Seeing the children running around having a great time with each other made me a little emotional.
I have wonderful memories of playing with my brothers and cousins and remembering how excited I would get knowing they were coming for visits.
At the rehearsal, I heard the groom's brother say to him, "don't worry, I'll make sure they don't get up on stage, (talking about the children)." Suddenly, I remembered being the ring barrier at my aunt Frances and uncle Darrel's wedding. When Darrel kissed my aunt, I ran back up with the ring pillow I was holding and started hitting him on the backside.
My aunt told me that was the highlight of the wedding. :)
Now that we are adults, the time we get to spend with our family, for some of us, is almost non-existent, but I'm so lucky to be able to spend a little time with my brother's and cousin's children. I have run a couple of 5k's with my cousin, Nephew, and second cousin. My cousin Danece asked me if I would run with her on her first 5k. and now she unstoppable!
I'm so honored to not only have spent time with my brothers and cousins growing up but to be a part of their children's lives is truly priceless! Those young people in the photo to the right, are now fathers, high school graduates, and college students. My cousin Danece is a spin instructor and has done many 1/2 marathons. What a privilege it has been for me to be a part of their lives. So, I'm asking you to take some time out this week and call or text those you are/were close to growing up and let them know you love them and you're thinking of them.
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