It's been a long week

I have a lot of thoughts flying around my head today. It's been a long emotional week for my family. Sunday morning before Church my Mom called to tell me that my uncle Kenny had passed away. My heart immediately broke in pieces for Aunt Sharon, my cousins and my Grandpa Ronnie (Papa). I talked with Papa later that night and asked how he was doing. He said "Sis, I don't know what I am going to do with out my buddy. There is a big hole there right now." I tried to keep it together for him but the tears were pouring down my face. We talked a while that evening but that one line sticks out in my mind like no other.

I put myself in his place and thought how horrible it would be to lose a brother or sister. I love my siblings so much. I couldn't even imagine losing one of my new siblings either (brother in laws or sister in laws). They all hold such special places in my heart. I just assume since I'm the oldest I will go first but we have no way of knowing those things. Kenny was the youngest of 5 boys. I know Papa never expected to lose him first.

Papa is a preacher and was one of the speakers at the funeral. I was so impressed with how well he conducted his part of the service. We laughed and cried. It was such an amazing tribute of Kenny's life. He was a very friendly man with many friends and family members at the funeral to show for it.

I hope I leave behind a legacy of friends and family just like he did one day. I hope I show myself friendly and stick closer then a brother.

That was a side thought back to my siblings. I was thinking how much I appreciate all of them and I don't feel we get the time together that we once did. The kids and I ate out with my parents and youngest brother last night before heading home. When we got there Uncle Gregg and his family were there also. They joined us and we talked about all the cousins we got to see that day and how it was good seeing everyone but sad under the circumstances. Dad and Gregg started discussing how it was so fun having lots of cousins and how every year on spring break they would all camp out at the lake. I thought what a great idea. How fun for all the cousins. My Mom's family has taken several vacations together and we cherish those memories. It was time we had with each others undivided attention.

Now that I am older and have kids of my own I can only imagine how precious those times must be to them. Vacations or lake days spent with my siblings are priceless. Now that we all are having kids this is something we must take time out for so the new generation of cousins can play and the siblings and spouses can have fun times together as well. A set a side time to catch up and enjoy each others company. We don't have to spend lots of money on vacations all though every few years that would be great to do! Just set a side some much needed family time with out the chores or little things around needing to be done. I'm going to start making more of an effort for this sort of thing to happen at least once a summer. Sure we have Christmas and other Holidays but those are all hustle and bustle. Taking time out to play is important.