November Twenty-second; Thankful, for Family Blood or Not

Its Thanksgiving week, and I just realized something I forgot to purchase for dinner. Something I have to try and find if possible at this late date. Breaded, frozen okra, because I have a niece who loves it and will look for that dish in particular.

For the longest time, my mother did everything concerning Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. A few years ago, as the family grew, it became too much for one person. Each family then took on part of the meal. Now, as the families have expanded even more, we have divided it up even more. One of the dishes I prepared was deep fried okra. I will need to get myself out in a bit and pray that I find at least one bag, just one, just so she can have fried okra.

Though our family has grown, we have also had family members leave us. My mother and father have had their siblings and spouses pass away. My husband and my brother have left us. Still, even if not here physically, we carry them in our heart and in the lives of those who carry the same gene. We carry their memories forever within our heart and mind. Yet, even though we have family gone on, children are being born so for love lost, there is love gained.

As I sit here now, listening to rain softly falling, I am thankful. I am thankful for the love of family. Those who understand our particular brand of crazy because they are part of it as well. I am thankful for those who are willing and ready to step up and help others when help is needed. I am thankful for family who keep each other humble but also keep each other uplifted and strong. We may not always agree on everything. We may not like everything one or more are doing. That doesn’t stop us from being family. That doesn’t stop the love.

Family though, is not only those of whom we are blood related. Coworkers can be family, friends are family, we can have a spiritual family, we can be part of the family of God.

Family, are those who accept you as you are. They see your faults and accept you and love you in spite of or even because of your idiosyncrasies. Being unique is not really a fault anyway. It is what makes one special and better able to handle the things that come along that those without that particular brand of different may not handle as well.

I may not get to see my extended family as much as I would like, but distance doesn’t lessen the love. I am grateful, I am  thankful, for my family…each and every member. Blood related or not.

Several years ago now. I miss you Michael, Kevin and I will attempt to keep up the crazy as best we are able.