That's all that matters. I pray my children understand this. God will get you through the hard times. He'll often use family to help. I remember being at my lowest point. I was getting divorced, I was unemployed, I was hurt. My sister gave me a greeting card that she had written little quotes and bible verses in. One of the quotes was "God won't close one door without opening another." Those words still give me chills and I still have the card. I ended up spending forever with Karyn. What a great door he had opened for me. For the most part, my family is close knit. We have our moments like any other family. There are some members that won't talk to other members. That's none of my business. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in the middle because I want a relationship with my entire family. I won't hold a grudge. Life is too short. If my family doesn't take the time to keep up with my life, that's ok. I still want to know that they are safe and healthy and I would do anything for them.
I'm not perfect in any way. I'm going to make mistakes as a parent. I pray that my children will forgive me when I screw up. I can't imagine living a life without my kids being a part of it. I promise to forgive my children's mistakes and help them get back on track. I've learned a lot from my parents. Hard work, sacrifice, respect, understanding, love, and forgiveness. To name a few. I can't tell you how many jams my parents bailed me out of. I'm trying to raise my children in an environment that nurtures them and demonstrates the value of God and family.
We're visiting my grandparents this weekend. My dad's mom and dad. My grandpa will be 95 this year and my grandma will be 87. They've been blessed with a long life and a long marriage (68 years). They are what I aim to be. Down to earth, Christian people. My grandpa struggles to speak most of the time but when he does, he reminds me of the importance of being faithful to God. He tells me to be good to my wife. He's a great example of what a man should be. I'm very proud of him. My grandma is the most precious person you would ever meet. Everyone loves her. She doesn't get around very much but in her prime, nobody could cook better. Whether we had just ate or not, she would always prepare a feast upon our arrival. She taught me to gamble. Haha. There was game we would play called "Hulligull". She had a jar of pennies that was always less full after I played with her. I have to admit that she probably let me win. I've always felt loved around her. They were both fantastic gardeners. Grandma's flowers and Grandpa's tomatoes will always grow in my heart. I pray they get a chance to meet the twins.
I would love to see everyone united but it's out of my hands. It's in God's hands. Life is too short to carry around that useless load. If you are a member of my family or close circle of friends and you are reading this, I love you. I will always love you. I'm here for you and I always will be. After all, isn't that what family is all about? I think so.
We love you too!
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