Family

Family...what a word. Having a family is one of the great blessings God gives us. Tonight I was having a conversation with a friend about my family...my friend really made me think. I realized that I am one of the luckiest people I know...because of the family that I have. The way I was raised is what made me who I am today. Every person in my family has taught me something. A lesson I will never forget.

My maw maw taught me how to pray...when I lose hope...pray...when I feel like God isn't listening...pray...when I needed help...pray...when I needed love...pray. My maw maw is one of the greatest Christian women I have ever met...and she taught me how to pray.

My paw paw...he taught me how it's ok to cry. When something touched me in a way that I couldn't explain...it was ok to cry. When I was sad...cry...when I was happy...cry...and when I couldn't explain how I felt...cry. He is one of the toughest people I know and he...of all people taught me that it is ok to cry.

My dad taught me to grow up. I know this doesn't sound so great. But it is. He taught me the difference between being funny and being serious. He taught me how to respect. To, no matter what, respect people...and yourself.

My mom...well...she taught me how to be strong. When my world fell through...be strong. When I felt I couldn't go one more step...be strong. When the waves started crashing in...stand my ground...and be strong.

My sister...my sister taught me how to take a bad situation and make it good. She taught me that no matter what goes wrong...something good will always come out of it if I believe. She taught me how to make something out of nothing. And not to listen to anyone else...just your dreams.

My brother...he taught me how to give every little piece of my heart...even if the person wouldn't give me theirs. He taught me that what the heart feels is important. And to listen to it. And every heartbreak can be mended.

My step dad taught me that work is everything. Hard work will get you what you want. You have to make a living and work as hard as you can. You will be grateful in the end.

My step mom taught me that a little fun can't hurt. That you can't always be a stick in the mud. Go out...live life...and have fun. Smile...and never regret.

I have so many people that taught me things...friends that I consider family and just random people that I barely even know. I can't possibly mention them all but I am so blessed. Family is everything. They love...laugh...and grow right before your eyes. SO many times I have taken them for granted...and after eighteen years on this dark night...like most others...I have realized how lucky I am. I HAVE a family. They are messed up and crazy and some times drive me crazy...but they are MY family. And I wouldn't give them up for the world.