Life, Family, and other Committments

I don't want to focus on what has happened over the past couple of weeks to inspire so much tension and stress among the siblings. A wedge has been placed in what I had thought was a strong family bond. What I would like to see is us overcoming this low point and moving foward.

Our family has faced many struggles over the years- from our parents' personal challenges, to their divorce and all the events in between and leading up to where we are now. We're not the perfect nuclear family unit, but i've always been proud of the family we became through each step of the way. Each of us has a special connection to each other - different connections with each sibling, but lots of love none the less. Some of us communicate with one more than other, but we're all here for one another when ever we're needed. We respect each other's differences and embrace each others strengths and support each other in moments of weakness.

We cannot control each other or make choices for another person --only ourselves. I'll admit, this is hard for me as I've always wanted to protect each of you from hurt, pain and suffering. I look back at my own stupid decisions and see someone going down the same path. Unfortunately, all I can allow myself to do is counsel and then be prepared for a HUGE high five or a shoulder and assistance to help you get back up again. It has taken me a lot of time to figure out my place in each of your lives.

Each of us are full adults now, with jobs (or two), school, kids, bills. Each of us have personal relationships with others outside our little family that need to be cared for and supported. We should embrace the time we get to share with each other and understand when we can't get together. There is a life balance that must be managed and appreciated. As long as we continue to communicate -phone, facebook, family blog - we'll be ok! We understand if it takes a month before the next phone call....life happens.

I love each of you so much. Having the experience with each of you has helped me become the mom I am today to my kids. Thank you for being born, for being my brothers and sister and thank you to God for creating our family.