My mom, from Arizona and my sister, from Georgia came to visit me this past week. I had not seen my mom in about a year and half or my sister in about 5 years. My sister and me grew up together and the first time we were separated was when I moved away after I graduated from High School. Since then we've only seen each other 6 times in a 14 year time span. And those 6 times vary from 20 minutes in an airport layover on my way through to another destination to 6 days.It's hard to hear about how some families live in the same town and never see each other or that having family functions are so much work. What I wouldn't give to have the opportunity to see my family or everyone get together at least once a year!
Growing up I didn't have a big family and we didn't live near extended family either. So the thought of having a big family was my dream. Thus why I wanted more than a few children!
I have gotten used to not seeing my family or being around them on a regular basis since I was a kid. It is what it is. It's never been easy and now as a mom, it only seems harder. When you finally get together the time goes way to fast and saying good-bye is way too hard because you don't know when the next time will be. My son Jaylen cried the entire car ride home because he had to say good-bye. He's just like his mama!
It is hard to imagine my children growing up and moving away from me. I can't bear to think of it now. Yet if God calls them somewhere else, I know I will have to let them go. Times like this past week with my family help remind me how important family is and to make the most of every moment. Make them count. Enjoy each others company. One day they will all be grown and out of the house and I will miss the noise, and maybe even the messes they make to show that they are here. I want to make memories with them to remember for tomorrow!
