Family

The last few days have been very emotional. We went to a family reunion on my dad's side-lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, laughter and tears. We had sent out an email about a week earlier, so every one knew what was going on with us. Friday went well. Lots of hug and supports, but no tears. We were all just happy to see each other. The last time we were all together was four years ago for my Grandma's 90th birthday party. This weekend, we celebrated her 94th. On Saturday, we had a Mass, where I did a reading. We arrived right before Mass and I did a quick look over of the reading. "Really?" I thought. "This is what I'm supposed to be read?" It was all about suffering and asking God to take away our afflictions. I started to tear up a bit, but thought I'd be ok to read it.  I wasn't. I was about halfway through when the tears started coming. I made it through... barely. I was doing ok until the petitions, when my sweet cousin read a petition for us and started crying herself... cue tears again. It's not over yet. At the end, my dad had a few announcements for the group. He talked about my Grandpa and Mom who have both passed away. He started tearing up and there was no way I could hold it together after that. While it was extremely emotional and difficult at times, it was so healing to be surrounded by family, enveloped in loving hugs-sharing our tears of sadness together.

I am so thankful for the blessing of such a loving and supportive family to help us through this time. They lift me up and keep me going and remind me that we are not alone on this earth- God has given us so many people to help carry us through.