The power to choose

I can only hope to teach my children to think of others, rather then themselves. To reach out, even when you may feel you have nothing to give. Being thought of, and acting on that thought is a very powerful tool. It can brighten someones day, when they might feel alone or hopeless. It can give light to someone who may be enveloped in darkness. It can boost the confidence of a young lady or a young man who may feel lost or lonely in their group of friends. To be thought of by another human being and to act on that thought for another human being is one of the most powerful things we can do to change someones life...sometimes even in a completely different direction. Over the years, I consider our family truly blessed from the kindness of others, it's been given so freely, and at times has been so desperately needed. It can be so simple to choose kindness, to choose good, to choose to include, to choose to make that call, to choose to open your heart, to choose to show up, to choose to listen, to choose to support, to choose to love, to choose to sacrifice...even if you may think you have nothing, you do. Just look inside and you will find it.

Memories

Memories are so powerful. They can invoke so much emotion in seconds...sometimes they are happy and joyful, or remind us of sadness and hurt. Recently, I was reflecting and suddenly overcome by such a powerful emotion of sadness and joy at the same time. Tears ran down my face as I recalled the memory of the parting of my sweet momma at such a young age...yet thru it all the memories brought me to joy of all of the memories I had left of her. In her short life she lived. She was fierce, loyal and strong. She loved passionatley, had a unique laugh, fought hard, and loved. Loved. That is what I remember the most, is that she loved, and she wanted to stay on this earth, but she didn't. Now, I teach my babies what I remember about her. I see her strength in them, in me, in my siblings. She is in our hearts, in our memories, an angel to watch over us, and carry us thru. I value my memories. I value the experiences we make together as a family. Whether they are good, hard, happy or sad. We are creating memories to carry us thru our lives. I can only hope that my babies will remember the moments we experience, the challenges, heartache, loss, hope, the love I have for them, the bond which cannot ever be broken. Thru it all, we have each other, and the memories that no one can take away from us.