Family Finds

Sometimes I overlook how fortunate I am to have such an unusual, wonderful family. No, we don't always get along or see eye-to-eye on things, but we have lots of attributes most families are without. My siblings and I grew up probably somewhat impoverished but never really knew that or felt like that. I can't remember a Christmas or birthday that didn't leave me feeling special and lucky.

The backbone of the family is my mom. She is such a special person! I've been fortunate that we've always been close, even when I was a rebel teen. She makes the holidays special and never ceases to amaze the family with her traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. The gatherings are her home are always full of fun, warm memories. Her life has not been easy but she makes the best of all situations. Although she's 77, she still plays games with the great grandkids and even tried "Guitar Hero" with the rest of us this Christmas.

My siblings and I are different in many ways. Yet, any given one of us would be there for one another. We all have some of the same characteristics. When we all meet together, there will always be stories and laughter.

Then there is my personal family...my kids. When I reflect on them and their accomplishments, I feel lucky and very successful. As a single mom with many "strikes" against all of us, I would say we've overcome them all and beaten the odds. We celebrated my "baby" graduating from college this December. All three of them not only hold degrees, but put themselves through college. They have a great work ethic, have great personalities and even get along well with each other.

I listen to others talk about family gatherings...dreading them...bored through out their duration. I can't say my family is like that. We laugh at ourselves and each other. We work hard, play hard and embrace life. I don't know how long we'll be blessed to gather together to make these great family memories...but I do know...I'm lucky to be in my family!!