Friends

Our families are ours, most of the time, because we are born into them. In my case my family was given to me because Mommie & Daddy Pat had great big hearts. Rosie, Poopy Sister, Scotty, & Greg became my brothers & sisters. Biologically I had my sister Linda, two cousins, Aunt Norma & uncle Chuck-and of course my beloved Little Gram & Grandpa Stewart. However, my family-for me were the aunts, uncles, and cousins given to me by Mommie & Daddy Pat. Then there is the family we create-those people whom become our friends, and over time become our family. Yesterday I spent with my biological father, Daddy Larry-and my family of friends, Eileen, Frank, Linda, & June. Eileen has been my family forever-Linda, June, and I have been family since middle school. Sometimes I feel so humbled by the gift these individuals have given me. Although my life began with the death of my biological mother, God has given me so much. I don't know if it has been his way to balance my life scale. Next week my Bug A Boo and her husband are coming to town-I just can't wait to see her! I can't wait to see my sister in-law, Wanda and her husband Frank. I want to spend some time with my cousin Sean and his family. When I return to CA, I have my family of Liz & Emily. Lynn and Annalee, Shellye, Debbie, Sandy, and of course my Donald. Last night I saw Mr. Cring. He taught at Franklin Academy. I don't remember how our life paths crossed-I can tell you Mr. Cring has loved and supported me for over 30 years. He gave me a job as a popcorn hawker, promoted me to head hawker-the only female ever to hold that position, when the big!quake of 1994 hit LA, he sent money to help me out. He has written me letters of recommendations which have left me crying and wondering if he was writing about someone else. We have a biological family and a family of love. Isn't that just amazing? Life is amazing, isn't it? We open our eyes and see beauty everywhere. We feel love and we give love-all of it picking us up, carrying us, holding us, warming us, and supporting us. How does that happen? Last night I saw a sooting star-I didn't make a wish, instead I said "thank you." I have so many wonderful, special, intelligent family & friends. Life is a a roller coaster...certainly, it gives us ups and downs...and life gives us family and friends who ride that coaster with us. We are never alone, we are given love-and love really does lift us up! Love really can hold us and give us strength we did not know we possessed. Love heals us, guides us, makes us laugh, makes us cry-love is amazing. Though we cannot truly define love. We know it when we feel it, but we seldom find words to adequately express the depth of our love. All I know, and I know this for certain-love allows us, empowers us, carries us, and makes us strong! Love is the great equalizer-can't live without love-I reckon love is what fills all the gaps. Amazing isn't it?