What's really important

What is Really important? Well I can tell you what is not important. It's not about who said what about whom, its not sleights real or imagined. It's not about the $20 or the $20,000 borrowed and never repaid, it's not about not keeping in touch, always making the first call, or even about where we live,  It all comes down to caring about one another and loving one another.
I found this quote and really like it:

After all this is over, all that will really have mattered is how we treated each other.

Too often we say things in haste, make statements that hurt, or declare something that cannot be undone. I believe that we must school out thoughts and words. Marriages are torn apart, families ruined, and lives destroyed by careless cruel comments made and then passed along.
Theses things I know are true. I love my Heavenly Father, and know that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I love my husband and cherish every moment we have together. I love his children, right wrong or indifferent, I am proud of them, I love them and that will not change. I love my brothers, even if I detest their behavior, I will always love them and stand by them as they have stood by me.
I have said that I am healthier and feel better now than I have been in 20 years. With my brother in the hospital and trying to figure out his health concerns, it makes me ponder my mortality as well.
I  declare that I am grateful for every blessing, every trial, every lesson, every person in my life. Even if we are estranged, we are family and that will never change.

The joy of Daughters

Today I discovered that our daughter Rachel is engaged.  Many emotions came over me. Relief, surprise, hurt feelings and joy. Of all the people that have passed through my life, I believe I have enjoyed and love Rachel the most. I have always wanted what is best for her.

We have been estranged for two years now. I can only guess why. She has not spoken to me nor has she told me why she has cut all ties. She recently cut ties with her father as well; telling him it’s because he supports me. I don’t feel she is being fair, especially to him, yet I am not in charge of her behavior.

One thing about children and parents; a parents job is to work themselves out of a job. I believe we gave Rachel a firm foundation and she has developed a workable value system. She is positioned, unbending a little self-righteous; she is however one of the most loving, kind and funny people I know.

The first brief for my appeal is being filed on Monday. Many people ask why I care that this verdict is overturned. I will tell you, because I didn’t do it! I am prepared that it may not be overturned, and I will deal with that if it happens. For now, I will pray that the judges see through the manipulations and untruths told by a very lost, mixed up young woman.

Which brings me to Rebekah; I love you, I forgive you for the accusations and recriminations. I wish I could have made this all go away. I will not say I did something I did not do. We are here for both you girls whenever you need us.

Blessings

Today is gray dreary day. It began as a beautiful sunny day, much like nine years ago when Tony entered the hospital for that fateful cardiogram and heart surgery that forever changed our lives.

I have been thinking a lot about the past ten years and the joys, sorrows, triumphs and disappointments for the time that has passed. I am so grateful for all the blessings that have come my way.

The first blessing is my wonderful husband. He has given me so much joy and comfort over the past eleven years. Even during my incarceration he was 100% steadfastly in my corner. He is ferocious in his defense of me, and never allows a minute to go by without letting me know how very much he cherishes me.

The second blessing is my family. My brothers first. We are orphans, and we only have each other. For being raised in the same house with the same parents you couldn't find three more different people. We don't always get along, yet our communication has become much more open and honest and we have mellowed.  My Uncles, Aunts, and cousins are all unconditionally supportive of me. Another extremely diverse group, again reared with the same values, we all are unique and bring a different favor to the party… And do we party!

The third blessing is the opportunity of parenting my step-daughters. I couldn't love them more if the were my own flesh and blood. That makes our estrangement especially painful, yet I know, they know, I love them. When they are hurting, I bleed. Some day we will reunite and put all the blame and recriminations behind us. I look forward to that day, however far in the future it may be.

This is a good quote about family :

Doc Childre and Howard Martin, The HeartMath Solution

Family is the first social unit for developing the qualities of the heart. A true family grows and moves through life together, inseparable in the heart. Whether a biological family or an extended family of people attracted to each other based on heart resonance and mutual support, the word "family" implies warmth, a place where the core feelings of the heart are nurtured. Family values represent the core values and guidelines that parents and family members hold in high regard for the well-being of the family. Sincere family feelings are core heart feelings. They are the basis for true family values. While we have differences, we remain "family" by virtue of our heart connection. Family provides necessary security and support, and acts as a buffer against external problems. A family made up of secure people generates a magnetic power that can get things done. They are the hope for real security in a stressful world.

Pasted from <http://www.heartquotes.net/Family.html>