Oh So Very Thankful!

Reflections

Today was a good reminder of just how blessed I am and reminded me to appreciate everything I have been given.  It's Easter Sunday and although my intentions were to have everything done in time, I found myself wishing there was another me.

Thank goodness for family! After seeing me scrambling from one end of the kitchen to another everyone took pity on me and stepped right in to help get things done.  One took care of the grill, the other made sure the table was set, others were in charge of egg coloring and the hiding of the eggs, even the youngest of the bunch helped by providing the entertainment. I have to say that my lack of better party planning ended up getting my aunts delicious savory oven roasted potatoes added to the menu - score! 

Once we finally had the main course ready and set on the table, we all sat down and gave thanks. We all sat and listened to the stories of our elders.  Stories of the past of when we were young and all the shenanigans we would get our selves into. Even better though were the stories of when our parents were young.  Oh the things I found out about both my "angelic" parents..I don't feel so guilty anymore knowing that I inherited all of my "questionable" decisions throughout my younger years from my parents!  

There was a brief moment where I had the chance to sit back and observe all those around me, the smiles and laughter brought such happiness to me. There for a moment, however, I felt sad not being able to share these good times with those who have passed on to their final rest or to those who weren't able to join us for one reason or the other.  Overall, being with the family was a great day - we can only hope that next year we can all be together and create more memories that will be passed on from one generation to the next.    

I have a wonderful life! No, it's not perfect - It's mine!  I don't believe there is such a thing as a perfect life. I have been blessed with healthy, loving, intelligent and obedient children who mean the world to us.  My husband is a good man, with a kind heart - which won my heart 24 years ago.  He works hard for his family - never complaining, just doing.

My parents are the least selfish people I know and by example they have taught us to care for, love, forgive and respect others, and above all to love God.  I am thankful for a protective older brother who would always watch out for me and to this day..still does in way or another.  His wife, my extraordinaire sister-in-law is truly a saint and an angel.  She has to put up with our crazy, loud family and she does it with grace.  As I watch the way she parents my two beautiful nieces, I give thanks to God for bringing her into my brothers life and ours too.


Peace, love and happiness to all!