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Being Thankful For My Family

Families are on one hand happy, loving things.  On the other, they can also be full of conflict, struggles, and trials.    Sometimes I get very impatient with mine.  I love my husband and kids, but sometimes I get frustrated.


Four years ago, a friend lost his wife and two kids in a pedestrian accident with a drunk driver.  Every time I think of them, I choke up.  I was friends with his wife and with him.  They were on again off again for several years and then she played hard to get.  She even moved away, I think I heard.  Ultimatum time.  He decided he couldn't live without her, flew out to see her, and proposed.  They married and then had two children who would be the same ages as my oldest two.  It sounds like they had a wonderful marriage and enjoyed their kids a ton.


It's so hard to understand such suffering that this friend has gone through over the past two years.  He's an old friend, so I really have no idea how he's doing.  but, I grieve with him.  And I am reminded to be thankful for my family--my children and my husband.  


Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  My husband is out of town for a few days on a business trip.  I'm surprised by the lessons I'm learning this time.  No matter how much we struggle, I am a better person with him than without him.  Our family isn't the same without him.  Sometimes it's hard to see that in the midst of conflict--how much we all need each other, but we do.  


Thinking back on this family gave me much patience tonight as my little Eli came to the top of the stairs not once or twice, but four times with tears struggling to get to sleep.  I said to Autumn how thankful I was for her tonight and that no matter whether I get upset or not, I always love her and Sami too.  Sami was thrilled tonight when I told her I had ordered her a book that was a very special Sami book just for her.  I am very thankful for them and will be glad when my husband returns to us at the end of the week.   


I also grieve and pray for my friend.  I don't know how he is, but I can only imagine that he has easy days and hard days.  There are no easy words or right words to say.  
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Kim said…
These are words I needed to hear. You just made my day. Thank you!
December 15, 2010 at 8:01 AM
Anne said…
I'm glad my friend. =) I had to remind myself again last night when Eli was fussing and I have to admit I got frustrated when he had to get out the door in the morning, but there was the realization that we would have still gotten out the door whether or not I would have gotten a little upset =s I need to remember this more!
December 16, 2010 at 8:04 AM
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