Baby Brings Reunion!

This weekend was a memorial celebration of two people who were in love with each other back in the "40's" and as a result, six children were born. Of course it doesn't stop there. Now many years later, as we grew and had our families, grand and great grandchildren were added to the family legacy. This Memorial Day weekend was a special event for one of my brother's and his wife who are expecting their first child. Although, some of our siblings live in Virginia, we all came together along with our children to celebrate not just the new addition that will be here soon, but the reason we are able to come together, our parents. If it wasn't for them, their parents and even our ancestors, we wouldn't be here to give honor for our lives and the lives of our children/grandchildren.....and the legacy of love, honor and prosperity will live on throughout eternity.

Funeral Reunion

When family members live in different states/countries, coming together can be challenging. For the most part family reunions bring everyone together for a joyous occasion. Funeral reunions are just the same in a sense of bringing everyone together for a time of morning or celebration depending on the age and/or the reason the person has passed. I just experienced this with my family due to the passing of my cousin. I was able to see some family members I haven't seen in years as well as some new additions to our family.

Internal Bond vs. External Luxuries

A family foundation that exemplifies love, true morals and values are very important to teach our children as we are raising them. Quality moments invested with them mean more to them than all the gifts and other material possessions we buy. What happens if there is a financial challenge in the household and you aren't able to afford the luxuries as in times past. If you have built an intimate relationship with your children, it wouldn't matter much at all. What matters most is the love and closeness that they experience.

A Cool Call at 2:00AM & Last Minute Decision

It's great to have a wonderful relationship with your children, but hard to wean them from being"spoiled" for so many years. My daughter calls me 2:00AM, asks me if I'm sleep and then tells me she just put a tattoo of my name and a design on her foot. My first thought was, "Why on your foot"? Then I thought, just as she said, "Mom, following in your footsteps." Although sleepy, it made me feel wonderful.

My son decides he wants to go to the movies with his friend at the last minute. He's transitioning into a young man, but not able to drive as of yet. So, "mommy", as he calls me decides to stop working and take them. Of course, the 10:00 movie. This means I have to go pick them up about 12:30.

Family Reuinion

Whoever came up with the idea of Family reunions had to be one who really valued his family, from ancestors to future generations. Proper morals in every aspect of life should be taught and passed down to our children, their children, so on and so forth...and we receive the wisdom form our parents, grandparents, etc. It's all about learning and teaching----our original customs and principals that allows family to grow in love, health and wealth.

Celebrate Your Child's Growth

Just because your children age each year doesn't mean they mature in certain aspects of their lives. Being responsible doesn't come with a new year, but cycles of action they take to learn and apply to make themselves less dependent on you. It feels good to see my daughter finally getting it! The weaning process takes less years for some children and more for others. It depends on how you've raised them. As a child, I gave my daughter everything, she didn't have to ask. This hindered her growing into a responsible young lady because she continued to look to me for everything. So although it was hard for me, I had to just cut her off completely. And guess what? It worked. She has a great job and her own place without my help.

Have you ever gone out your way for someone to make their birthday special and they complained about what they didn't receive? This just happened to me recently. A family member had a list of what they desired and I bought what was at the top of his list. Not just one item on the list, but SEVEN! I worked extra to have even more of a financial surplus, so I wouldn't miss the money invested in these items.

I even took him out and had him pick what he wanted. After all that, I noticed that he seemed down. So, I asked what was wrong....and why did I ask that question. He began to complain about who didn't give him anything, so on and so forth, but never once did he acknowledge what I did for him. I even talked to him for over two hours to cheer him up, called him the next day to check on him and he still sounded down and out.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. After all I've done, It wasn't appreciated. He focused on what he didn't have, making my gifts seem worthless. I decided to stop calling him for a few days, because he didn't appreciate me nor what I did for him.