The Importance of Family

I know I said I'd do better about blogging.  Then tragedy struck my family. For the last week, I've been trying to find a way to get both feet on the ground again.

Laying my 19 yr old cousin, Garrett, to rest is something no one should ever have to do.  It was easily one of the hardest things I have ever done.

I always say how much I love my family.  But last weekend, I was reminded just how precious and lucky I am to have such an incredible family.

There were 6 of us grandkids. Cousins. And we were blessed with the opportunity to grow up all within about a 5 hour radius of each other.  The center being my grandmother's (or as I call her JuJu) house.  We spent every long weekend, holiday, and well any time we could squeeze in together.  Even though my oldest cousin is 13 years older than me and Garrett being 4 years younger than me, we were always very close.

As the years have gone on, life has separated us by states.  Plane rides instead of short car rides.  But when we are all together, it was if we were never apart.

While all in one place for the first time in years, we took the time to really enjoy each other's company.

 It was truly a blessing to be able to laugh and cry with one another. To hold each other up during such a difficult time.

Now that we are all adults, we relate in such different ways than when we did when we were younger.  I felt at peace while with them.

This is my family.   My rock.  My everything.  Without them, I'd be lost.  There may only be 5 of us left now, but Garrett will forever be in our hearts. Over that weekend, over 2000 people came through the visitation and memorial service to express how he had touched their hearts. 

Family is the biggest, most important part of anyone's life.  I hope that your family means as much to you as mine does. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. '

Jeremiah 29:11

xox,