Family Appreciation

I came back to my hometown for a book expo, and ended up closing a cycle in my life. It's always good to know where you come from, but it's even better to be proud of how far you've come.

I have an amazing family. The love is strong. We don't always agree or see eye to eye, but it's nothing more precious than the support of your family.

My son, Justus, is 8 years old, and he has a spirit and soul that supersedes him. He's funny, he's supportive, he's intelligent. He has a grounding spirit. I had this idea about being a parent and having responsibilities to my child: making sure he's fed, cleaned, clothed. That he feels safe, loved, and supported. I wanted to make sure I was raising him right as a single parent in my household. I had these objectives in place to make sure that his life is as fulfilling as I can make it. I can say that I do pretty well as his mother. But, what I noticed on my trip to my hometown, away from him for 5 days, is that he takes care of me in so many ways. If I'm having a bad day, one hug from him makes it right. When I was nervous at my first book signing, he was right by my side, supporting me, being proud of me, grounding me. That means so much, our bond is so special. I'm so happy to be his mom.

Jordan, my nephew. We are one in the same. Your love for people and your gentle ways are unabashed. Tee Tee appreciate every massage and forehead kiss that you offer. You are really good at being uniquely you. Don't let the world change who you are.

My twin sister, Shantell, she’s a part of me. We're not connected like Siamese twins, but our soul connection and friendship is a bond that will never be broken. Believe me, many have tried. Our walks, our talks, our support of each other is priceless. I wouldn't turn it in for all the riches in the world. It's worth that much and more.

My older sister, Gloria. She's like a second mom. She’s always there through every crisis, every major event, offering her love and support. She listens to me for understanding and gives advice that is always on point, even when I don't want to hear it. That's one thing I like about her, we can always agree to disagree. Our viewpoints do not get in the way of our love.

My brother, Pat. He's so sweet. You would think that as a male, there would be a certain amount of insensitivity in regards to picking up on feelings and emotions and sometimes providing the support needed to succeed. That's the total opposite of Patrick. He is the most sensitive, loving and supportive person. It's those small things that people recognize that makes you realize how much people really care. In a previous post about being a "Hopeless Romantic" I mentioned about always looking outside ourselves for love. But love is within us and around us all the time. We just don't see it because we get so blinded by our hurt. Sometimes it takes being out of our environment to really recognize it.

Michelle, my sister in law. You came right in and made me feel at home. Because "home" is not a place. It's when a soul recognizes and remembers. Home is a space of love that's brought to you when you are ready for it. Love has many forms, not just romantic.

Ada, our neighborhood friend. Thank you for sitting with me and offering advice about life. That saying, "It takes a village to raise a child", it's so true. We won't get all our lessons from our parents, or our teachers in school. It might be the neighbor down the street or the stranger on the airplane who teaches us some things. God, The Universal Source, works through us. We just need to be open and receptive when he talks to us.

Aunt Jean. You’re an angel. You affirm truth, God, love in all of your messages. It’s on those days when I need to hear that I am loved that you show me. It doesn’t take a marching band or parade to express something with so much volume. Love speaks for itself. You say the words and its power in that. Love transforms, love heals. You are an intricate part of the puzzle. I can see God’s handy work with you. I can see how God works through you. I love you and thank you for modeling that for me.

Carisa, my cousin. Family does stick together. That saying, "Blood is thicker than water", I never quite appreciated that until you showed up to support me. Thank you, it means so much to me.

Gina, my sister in law. Your calm nature and deep conversations offers me respite. Taking a break from the world to step into your office (on the patio) restored me. I heard you, and I understood you, and I appreciate you. One thing about “those Sagittarius” we have to do things our way. But, we are not to proud to admit when someone is right. You were right, I was wrong, lol! It’s all good. Life is about learning and Divine timing.

Sam, my other brother, also known to me as "Bubba". I feel your love constantly. Your love of God and your appreciation for life . . . gives me life. You represent transformation. Your life is a testimony. You show people, by just being who you are, the power of love. It's not all flowers and gold, it's hard-work and determination. Self-determination. Our journey here has to do with finding ourselves, remembering who we are. I see you. I recognize you. I'm so proud of you. I loved you then, and I Iove you more now.

Al, my other brother. You are strong in your conviction. What I admire about that is that you don't let anyone change you. You take control of your life. You represent a miracle. You've shown that you can change your life around with will power and conviction. We as humans have this belief that we put our power into others but not ourselves. If we're sick, we go to a doctor and they will heal us. Well, maybe that works on some levels. But true healing comes from within. What choices are we going to make to gain? What are we going to do to turn our life around . . . in terms of health, wealth, and happiness? These are the things that you have mastered and it's inspiring.

Mommy. There are no words. When I think of love . . . a mother's love surpasses all because at one point you are inside of your mom. She carries you for months and then she holds your hand throughout life. It's so strong. I can feel it. You gave me life and you help sustain me in life. Always the nurturer, always the caretaker, always there when I need you. My cheerleader, my healer, my song writer (in the making). I hope if I come back in another life that you are my mother again and again. I can't get enough of your love.

Daddy. I know that you have moved past this earth, but I feel your spirit around me, watching over me. Helping me take a step back and remember who I am. Gaining my power not through force, but taking your methods and being gentle but giant. You were a good dad. Every piece of advice you gave me I still take heed to. You were so intuitive, so locked into me and Shan's needs. It's only sad because I can't tell you these things face to face, but you were before your time and you were right about it all. The curse of being a kid is that you don't truly appreciate your parents until you understand. Unfortunately, in your case, I understood after you were gone. Love needs expression. That's one of the lessons I learned from you. I will always express how I feel for someone, you never know when their day will come.

©2019 S.L. Harris