Love, Comfort, & Forever

Love is a strong feeling, but to family it’s never ending. No matter what, your family will always love you. They will go above and beyond to be there for you.

Through many life changes, I have experienced my family's deep love for me. Through my teenage years, as most teenagers were, I was stubborn enough to believe that all the consequences and disappointments I received from my parents was because I couldn’t do anything right. I soon realized that what they did was for my own good and it was always out of love. Even when I was at my lowest, they loved me even more. They want what’s best for me and to know that I’m okay. When I felt like the only person in the world, I knew that they would always love me and never leave my side.

Everything/Safety

Family is everything, everything from a phone call away, everything from a shoulder to cry on, everything to just having a friend, everything to making memories…...

When I think of family, I reminisce the memories we’ve made. I think of all the Christmas’ spent at my grandparents, vacations spent at the beach, snow days by the fire, and remind myself how thankful I am for them. I know that I can always go to them with any concerns, fears, or news.

One of my best friends is my dad. As I have gotten older, we have found our minds think more and more alike. The summer going into my senior year is when our friendship deepened more. Over the past year, I had been dealing with a lot of hard changes, and he helped me get through those transitions. He showed me that he accepted me for who I am no matter what ,and he will always love me even when I mess up. Now ,two years later, that bond is stronger than ever, I can go to him with anything that’s on my heart and be genuine with him.

Foundation/Unity

If it wasn’t for my family, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I have learned the basics from learning to ride my bike, tying my shoes, and boogie boarding, to harder things like who I am in Christ, what family means to me, and how to make life decisions---just to name a few. They have shaped me to grow through many hard times and also adventures.

One moment that shaped me is when my family went to the Grand Canyon. As a nine year old girl, I was not in the best shape because I was either always sitting in front of the TV, eating, or sleeping. The way down the canyon was easy, but the way up was more challenging. The combination of 120 degree humidity, hard and rocky slopes, and being dehydrated was not setting me up for success. Through tears, I told my mom I couldn’t make it to the top, and she looked at me, grabbed my hand and told me that we were gonna make it through together. Through that experience, I wouldn’t be the strong fighter that I am today thanks to my mom.

Time

The amount of time spent with family is meaningful to many. If it’s spent watching a movie, going to church together, or having a meal it’s cherished. Nowadays, we tend to take for granted the opportunity to be still and be with family, you don’t have to fill up your schedule every single second with an activity.

As I recently moved out from my parents’ house, I have had to be more intentional with spending time with my family. I have appreciated the little moments I have with them on weekends when I come in.

Wabi-sabi/Inspiration

Family can play many roles throughout your life. For me, I saw inspiration in many of my family members. My biggest inspiration is my grandfather.

My grandfather always told me to “celebrate the temporary”. He would say that to constantly remember what God has laid out for us here on this broken world we live in and to never take a day for granted. He was the strongest person I knew. He inspired me to be brave even when I don’t feel like he. He taught me to be the woman Christ molded me to be. He was wise beyond his years, and the biggest aspect of him that inspired me was his love for people. His big grin, glowing blue eyes, and servant heart always was on his agenda. Through my grandfather, I have wanted to model my life much like he did telling me to always “celebrate the temporary.”

Family means so much to me, and I wouldn't change anything about them for the world.