Family............

I have woken up today, with such an immense feeling of gratitude. I am so very blessed. The truth is that I live for my family. I have the most amazing family in the world. They ground me, keep me in check, in balance and bring joy, laughter and peace to my life. (They also drive me totally insane, can make me angrier than any other peeps out there, and can complicate my life like no one else!!!)

Isn't that the same for everyone? But I digress. Today it's all about MY FAMILY:

Mom and dad: What can I say? These two did the most amazing job in raising five kids.
DAD: was the quiet one, who imparted wisdom and spiritual guidance in each and every one of us. HE would punish you and then within the hour would call you, sit you in his lap and tell you he loved you and why he punished the living noogies out of you. Yup, that's my daddy. His family is the most important thing in the world. No doubts about it. We are the most cherished part of his life. He is still the most forgiving person I know in this world. (I think I got a lot of that from him)...the amazing gift of forgiveness.
MOM: She transformed our home. She was the homemaker, the carpenter, the roofer, the cook the bus driver, the champion cheer leading captain of WHATEVER her kids got involved in. She is just the funniest woman in the world to me. She says the craziest things to us kids and to dad...well, I think it would be inappropriate for me to share the family secrets...he,hee,hee!!! She is hilarious and makes us crack up. Yet, in spite of all the fun she instilled in us, she taught us that family was the most important think in this life. Mom taught me to love. To love without conditions, without reservations, and with my whole heart. She loves my dad. NO matter WHAT!!! It hasn't been easy. She left her family and became one with dad, and build her own home. She build a foundation that has been impenetrable for 42 years. She loves like no one I know. (I got that from her)...the amazing gift of loving forever.
Richard: MY husband. Wow...what can I say. I can actually write a book on you my love. This is the man that makes me whole, makes me wonder at life and can make me the happiest woman in the world with one small kind act. I met Richard when I was 19. We met through church...It was instant for me. We talked on the phone for weeks before we finally met each other in person. He was amazing. I fell in love immediately. I was an innocent girl. HE was my first kiss, my first love. I knew he was the one for me. Today we celebrate 14 years of marriage. It has not been easy in any shape or form. BUt I can truthfully say that I love him more today than when I first met him. I have learned to forgive, to let go, to make do with what I have, to share to understand another point of view, to see more clearly, to be a partner, to stand alone at times and to come together at others. I have a lot more to learn with this man, but it is wonderful to know that HE HAS MY BACK!!!! as I HAVE HIS!!!! He is the sweetest man in the world (WHEN HE WANTS). He is not the most talkative, the most emotional giver or even the easiest, but my goodness, HE IS HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL. I know that I can count on him to be here no matter what. He's a fantastic father and his skills as a husband have been fine tuned and getting better everyday...isn't that what it's all about? Growing old together? Yup...I've learned a lot from RIos. He's the love of my life.
I have 5 sisters and they are amazing. I have 2 children who give me a sense of worthiness. I have 5 nieces and nephews, 3 amazing uncles, 6 fantastic aunts, 12 fabulous cousins that I love with all my heart. Our family continues to grow. Today, I am off to church and then to go celebrate Abuela's 91st birthday. This is the family that she built.
Hug your families a little longer today. If you are close to them...YOU ARE BLESSED!
HUGS