Last night I visited with my Mother and my Aunt. They are both aging (as we all are), and I know they feel young inside. It made me ponder about families.
Growing up, I thought I had it bad because I had an absent dad. But, instead I had it pretty good. I was surrounded by loving aunts, uncles and grandparents, and my mother loved all of us and worked very hard on our behalf. I always knew my extended family loved me very much. It was just easier as a child and young adult to focus on what I didn't have. However, as an adult, I've found it better to focus on what I have. I still have loving extended family member that love me. They have memories to share with me, and are willing to spend time with me when I have time for them. For this, I am grateful.
Even now, I have to focus on what I have. Children can be difficult. And watching your children make life-changing decisions without awareness of the consequences can be extremely difficult. (Surely no mother looks at their newborn baby and thinks about them being a bum when they grow up). (Not that mine are bums, but you get the idea). We all want the best for our children. We want them to have it better than we did, learn to love, learn to work hard and to be around forming memories with us as we and they age. However, when these decisions are made, we need to stand by and let them, because they have their agency. So, I try to focus on what I do have.
I have a child that thinks a Sunday isn't complete without a game of Aggravation with his dad and me. He also still doesn't mind spending a little bit of time with us, and helping out around the house. For this, I am grateful.
I am grateful that I have time to quilt, sew and create. I am grateful I have a part-time job that stretches me, allows me to be creative, and share my knowledge with others. I have a great boss, fabulous co-workers and it is nice to laugh at work. They support me in my hardships, and we can share our lives. For this, I am grateful.
I have a sewing group that gets together once a week (usually). We share our triumphs, our sorrows, and our work. We help each other and teach each other new things. We try to solve the world's problems, and laugh at ourselves and the mistakes we make. For this, I am grateful.
I am enjoying leading the Ward Choir this Christmas season. The choir members have been very responsive to me, and we are enjoying singing together. Good music and beautiful harmonies touch my heart and soothe my soul. For this, I am grateful.
So, I may not post very often, although I would like to do more. Just know that I am working, learning, sewing, spending time with family and friends, and serving where I can. Life is full and overflowing. For this, I am grateful.
