Family, Friends and Bedtime Matters (the 5th)

My cup runneth over…..  I’m still on a reflective “high”.  With WGH orchestrating a memorable anniversary celebration atop Stone Mountain last night;  and with all of his help in preparation for the shower today, I’m reminded of the incredible gift he is to me.  We’ve been married seventeen years.  On August 4, 1995 we joined two families and became one.  I had already fallen in love with my two “new children” and he with his one new addition during the time we dated.  

  

I don’t think either of us knew another soul who had embarked on the adventure of “life in a blender”. No doubt, we were both completely blindsided….there were times when honestly, I thought it was far too difficult and way more of a challenge than “what I had signed up for.” Fortunately, those extreme moments were infrequent, and in retrospect - they were very "self centered". When you bring two imperfect people together, there will be difficult times no doubt. When you bring two imperfect people together, along with full custody of three children from two previous marriages; add in a little “crazy” and a lot of “psycho” on the side – you’re in for an interesting journey together! 

We made it though - and are stronger than ever having weathered the storms!

 I have three beautiful children who call me mom.  He has three beautiful children who call him Dad.  We are also now known as "Mimi & Pop" to one beautiful little blue-eyed blonde blessing!  We have not focused on the different bloodlines, but on the hearts and character of each person in our family.  We made a  decision not to use the words “step” in regard to any of our children because there is a stigma of lesser significance.  We love them all.  Each is a unique and precious gift.  Our family is simply further proof that biology is the least important aspect of parenting.  Let’s face it – most anyone can do what’s necessary to create another human life.  Few, it seems – understand what to do in the years that follow!  Fewer still, embrace that role with integrity, purpose, responsibility and prayer.  It’s a shame really – I know of multiple “birth mothers” who have nothing to do with their biological children….and worse, some who have only acted destructively to their  innocent offspring.  (Same can be said of some bio dads too…)  God has blessed us greatly, He has shown favor on us, giving us a deep love for each other, and a lifetime of memories that elicit smiles from ear to ear. Most who know us don’t even realize the bloodlines that exist at first.  We are a family – not defined by birth certificates, but by authentic love and relationships.  

Back from the bunny trail…. 

“Yesterday, this was my FB status”: 

This has been one of those days (weekends, actually)  when reasons for gratitude are too many to name, ironically the kind of day that makes it hard to focus on just one blessing.  These are the times we need to remember when the days come that drop us to our knees and wet our cheeks with tears.  

Days like today, will come again.  Days on our knees with wet cheeks will also come again... no matter the circumstances,  - we should strive to remain grateful!