Family

This past weekend I went home with my sister and her two little girls (her hubby was workin as usual) for my mom's birthday. This has to be the first time that I've gone home and didn't get in an argument with anyone. It's not that we fight a lot. It's more that my parents have certain ideas/expectations of their daughters....and we don't always see eye to eye on them. But this weekend was pretty blissful (except for my sinus headaches). I miss being home. I miss being surrounded by people that I KNOW will always love and support me. I miss being in the safe, comfortable, and LOVING environment that my parents worked so hard to create for me and my sister.

We really have had a good life. I don't think there was ever a need that my parents didn't provide....or even a want that they didn't spoil us with. Yeah, my sister and I (and my nieces) are a tad spoiled. Don't get me wrong, we never got anything outrageous (we didn't ask)......But I suppose that's because my parents never emphasized expensive things. They always taught us to be well-dressed (doesn't necessarily mean glamorous or over-indulgent), well behaved, and to have good manners. But more than anything, they emphasized the importance of loving yourself and others, having high moral standards, and being respectful.

My mother is the sweetest person I know. Yeah, everyone says that about their mom, but I haven't met a person yet who doesn't agree with me. And I doubt if I ever will. She gives of herself to anyone who needs help; regardless of her own needs. If I grow up to be a FOURTH of the woman she is, I'll be a great person. She's the one who taught me and my sister compassion, unconditional love, and the value of hard work. She's just such a gentle and loving person. (sigh) I miss being near her everyday. It's always hard on me and my sister when we have to leave her again.....

My dad taught us everything my mom did, but he really emphasizes respect and hard work. My dad is a pastor so public appearance and behavior is important. I can honestly say that my dad behaves the same in public as he does at home: with intelligence, humor, and a nice amount of seriousness (I know there's another adjective that I could use instead of "seriousness" but I can't think of it). I love my daddy. I'm his namesake (no, his name isn't Michelle, it's Michael) and maybe that's why I have a good bit of his qualities. My dad didn't have the easiest childhood, but you really can't tell by looking at the man that he has become. He and I butt heads at times, but it's only because he really wants the best for me. A lot little girls want to marry someone who's just like their dad. I'm not sure that I want to marry someone exactly like my dad (that would be creepy), but maybe someone who embodies the same amount of love, strength, and dedication as my dad......

....Anyway, as soon as I pulled out of my parents' driveway, my sister whispered, "I miss my mommy." She's 26. And I've never heard her sound as innocent as she did at that moment in all of my 19 years of knowing her. I looked at her in the rearview (she was in the back with the kids) and said, "Me too." Then she said "I'm glad we have each other." I nodded. I'd been thinking the exact same thing. The next time I looked in the rearview she was crying. She quickly dried them up though. We're strong girls. Crying is accepted, but we don't do it too often. If only she knew how often I thanked God for her and teaared up at the idea of her not being here. I love and admire my big sister so much. We used to fight a lot when we were younger....not just arguing, but actual physical fights. And my parents would constantly tell us that we have to love, support, and help each other because if something were to happen to them, we would only have each other. I listened to them, but it was one of those instances where that information got pushed to the back of my list of things to do. But it happened anyway. My sister and I have been known to finish each other's sentences, look at each other and laugh when someone does something stupid, and just call each other silly names. She's my friend. Just because she's my sister doesn't mean that she has to be my friend...I know plenty of siblings who have little to no contact with each other.....I cherish my relationship with my sister so much.

I haven't even touched on my Granny or my nieces...I guess I'll do that at a later date. But I did come to a conclusion after my weekend home: I can't move too far away. I hate leaving my parents and they're only two hours away....what in the world would I do if I were across the country??