Blessed...for so many reasons

To my left are my Mom, Dad, and Sister. In front of me are my Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, and Niece. Surrounding me are friends that go back to the time I was young…very young…VERY VERY young. Thoughts are racing through my head. Thoughts of when I was small, thoughts of when I was a youth, thoughts of just a few days ago. My mind can’t seem to settle.

I hear a BEAUTIFUL song. One I have heard many times, but this time, it sounds so very different. It touches me in a different way. I hold my Mom’s hand; it brings me comfort as it always does. My heart races. Tears start to flow slowly down my cheek. I look at my sister sitting next to me; I look at my family in front of me. I feel a since of love that I have missed. Why? It hasn’t gone anywhere…But I have missed it. Perhaps it has been me. Have I been too busy to notice it?

I listen to a story…it is CALMING, FUNNY, SAD, and EMOTIONAL. I feel like I need to tell those around me that I love them…Right then and there…just in case. I feel honored to have the family that I do. I feel blessed to be a part of something so big and grand. I feel like being a better person, making more of my life, and loving those in it harder!

I am touched by words that are spoken. They are words from my Dad. He is EVERYTHING I choose to BE! He is a constant example to me. I hear this testimony; I listen to his love for our Savior. I see HIS love for a departed FRIEND. I know that the words he speaks are from the heart and I can feel the compassion and love and am forever grateful for the guidance he blesses me with.

I walk outside. I am hugged and kissed by those around me. I step back. I look at those individuals in the room. Many I have known for over 30 year…(wow, that makes some of us very OLD)…I feel LOVE, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY, HAPPINESS, GRATITUDE, MEMORIES, I feel the SPIRIT, PEACE, JOY, and I feel CONTENT.