We all have family, it comes in many shapes and sizes and our relationships with our families differ vastly, though I am writing to express my gratitude for my mess, fun, oddball, goofy loving family.
I can start with my parents:
Jim (Dad) is the biggest geek on the planet with an even bigger heart. I have never met someone who is as compassionate, and selfless as he and I hope that I can live up to that wonderful example. Dad is smart, patient, analytical, is a masterful gardener, and has a never ending thirst for knowledge
Karen (Mom) is funny, I roll my eyes all the time at her, but I think a lot of that is because while watching her I see myself. She is an intelectual equal to Dad, but has a fiestyness that would occasionally get her in trouble, while Dad loved to travel, it was Mom who knew how to adventure. Playing and moving were profound characteristics of Mom. It's less prominent now because of the confines of a degenerative illness and a wheelchair, but there are still moments when it comes out.
While neither parent is really well, and is their full versions due to illness, I am so grateful for the time I had with them healthy, and for the things I learned from them and their incredible example.
Hannah (little, BIG sister) While in manyways I may act more like the oldest, and the big sister (aside from even just stature) she still has this deeply loving, and nurturing side. She is encouraging, and silly, and brings a different perspective to this roll of parenting we have been thrust into
Richard (big, Little Brother) Three years my junior we played all the time as kids, the hours spent putting together legos in our dining room, to the extensive backstories we would create for our barbies, he was my playmate. Our relationship has changed, but he brings a sensitivity, generosity, and sass to the family, that is paired with his perfectionism, and love of all things culture.
Bekah (little sister) Bekah is funny, with the most time spent with her in recent years I just have to laugh. She is filled with so much personality, she has a deep passion for many things that is juxtapposed to an even deeper apathy for others (often things I care about the most) her love of food is fun until it targets my cooking, but that is not to disregard how grounded, and strong of a girl she is.
Jennie (baby-iest sister) She is the baby in every sense of the term, she is filled with personality and spunk and has quite the attitude, Jennie never stops moving, and is bouncing from one thing to the next, while often helpful, she gets distracted easily and needs persistent reminding. She is much like Richard in her desire for perfection, which can make school work twices as difficult.
We certainly are a funny bunch of people, each coming from the same genetic pool but recombined in such drastically different ways. My family wouldn't be complete were it not for each member and boy to I love them! I thank God each day for the fact we have eternal families and that they can be mine through eternity!
This Weekend we have been in Green River for the Baby Blessing of Piper, and Ordination of Dyson, (Children of Jamie and Tyse), we have been able to spend time with Janell, Robert and all of their Kids and Grandkids, and while Bekah may not be too thrilled with it, I am grateful for this time and for the extended family we have even with all of their quirks and oddities.
