In my family, my husband Mark competes to be the organizer. Mark's personality is strong, and because he's a senior systems engineer, he likes to solve all the problems for everyone in the family! Sometimes that needs to be tempered with a bit of TLC on my part. But, that's all right. He's such a great guy to have on your side.
Then, there's Uncle Bob, Mark's brother. What an amazing human being. He makes everybody laugh and smile. He should have been a stand-up comedian instead of the president of a corporation! Just being in the room with him puts us all in a good mood!
My son Rett is the charmer. He's handsome, and could sell you an air conditioner for your home in the North Pole and be delighted that you made the purchase. You get the picture. What a delight it is to have him in our lives.
His sister, Stephanie, is a dreamer. We've always accused her of being an alien from another planet! She's fun-loving, smart and entertains us endlessly with her thoughts. Another great piece of our family pie.
Then, there's the grandkids. Lauren is Rett's oldest. She's so beautiful she makes your eyes hurt when she walks in the room. Talk about lighting up a room. That one should be in movies. Oh, wait, she has been! Her twin brothers, Diesel and Slater are so very unique from each other, even being twins. Diesel is big for his age but sensitive with an artist's soul. Slater, the smaller of the two, is an athlete, a natural-born one. And all three grandkids are so smart they make my head spin.
Rounding it out are DW and Chris. DW is Stephanie's fiance. He's a bonafide genius. Can talk to you about any topic and blow you away. Chris is Lauren's husband. He's handsome, quiet and kind. He worships the ground Lauren walks, and the love they have between them is a beautiful thing.
And this doesn't even take into account the powerful influence of Grandpa Bill, Grandma Carolyn, Aunt Tracy and her boys, or my nieces Lee and Franny and their wonderful families and children - all far away from us on the East Coast but always in our hearts.
And, we have become caregivers for Grandma Bobbie who has been struggling of late. This has taught us all the meaning of unconditional love - caring when it isn't always easy. A great lesson to be learned.
Put all together, this is one loving, happy family! That's why I so look forward to the holiday season and give thanks for each one of them.
So, I challenge you. Can you create the personality of your family by identifying each of their unique personalities and presence? Think about what they mean to your life, and the importance of family.
I'm going to take some time off from my blog during the holiday season and be back in the New Year so that I can appreciate and enjoy each and every member of my beautiful family. I hope you do the same!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Til Next Year,
Carol