Family ties

Six weeks ago, doctors discovered a hole in my Dad's heart that was causing him to have mini-strokes. He had surgery this morning to repair the hole in his heart. Everything went great with the surgery and my Dad is on his way to a full recovery, but all of this caused me to think about family almost constantly over the past few weeks.

I read a book awhile ago called The Ultimate Gift (Jim Stovall). One of the quotes from this book that really stuck with me was this:

"Some people are born into wonderful families.
Others have to find or create them.
Being a member of a family is a priceless privilege which costs nothing but love."

There is such a precious truth in these words. It really hits home with me. I have been extremely blessed in my life to be surrounded at all times by loving family members and friends. And those blessings continued when Kamaki and I were married and I became a part of his wonderful family as well.

In this world, there are far too few people that have the unconditional love and support of their families. What a different place this would be if we were all surrounded by the type of family experience that we all deserve.

From my earliest memories, I knew I was loved. My parents taught me, played with me, encouraged me, and disciplined me - which I believe is definitely part of loving your child. Perhaps the hardest part. I never doubted their love or concern for me.

I fell back on that support more times than I can count and it has shaped who I am as a woman, wife and mother. Mr. Stovall is right - family is a priceless privilege, and mine has given me a wonderful example to live up to.