Day Forty-seven: I Choose You

"Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit." ~Napoleon Hill

In a few hours, my home will be filled with Schaefers. I am very aware this will be our first Christmas without mama Schaefer, a fact that comes with a great amount of heartache. There is, however, a level of joy to be found in the legacy that she and dad created. We are all their seeds for the future and that makes me smile, especially when I see the children and young adults right on the cusp of taking the world by storm. When mom and dad were alive, they made it a point to let each of us know we were loved, that they were interested in the things we were doing, and no matter how far away we were, they kept in close contact. Auntie Dot, dad's sister, was right there with them in her role of nurturing the members of this family. I can't speak for the others, but it meant so much to me that they welcomed me into their fold and treated me as if I belonged there. They were good people...salt of the earth kind of people. Full of sage advice, gentle guidance, and a warmth that made them a joy to be around. Quick with a hug, a kiss, and a smile, they are sorely missed. But the good news is, that love, affection and attention they were eager to share nurtured each of us, and created a stable foundation so we could face head-on whatever this world has to toss our way! 

Not all family is genetic. Some are those we choose and that creates a powerful, magical connection. Family by choice is a strong bond that connects us with the sheer promise of, "I choose you, over, and over again. I choose you as my Tribe, and I'll never let go." There's a party at my house tonight and much to celebrate! I'll be lifting my Martguerita glass in a toast to mom, dad, and auntie...to belonging...and the legacy they left behind. Sláinte!

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