How do you measure a life? Do you measure it in a job well
done, hugs and kisses, money made, or success at a job? Do you measure it by
the number of friends you have, or people that show up to your special occasions?
I would argue its measured in love.
As a kid you love everyone, except those doo doo heads that
wouldn’t share their pudding cup with you. As a teen you can’t stand anyone,
and as a young adult you learn to love everyone all over again. I currently find
myself in this latter category. Over the past couple of years, it’s become
evident that friends are family and family is everything. How lucky am I then,
when I have found an amazing family here in south Florida? On top of that, I am
so blessed to have a family, scattered about they may be, that is truly amazing.
Every time I come home, I see them with renewed eyes, and it fills my heart up
with love. I can’t wait to catch up, and do the “remember when...” It’s great
to say, “Wow, you got so big.” and “How’s school going?”
Ever since my grandmother passed, I’ve looked at life
differently. I look for change and prioritize those that really mean something
to me. At the end of 2016 Jim and I made a major change and moved to Florida. I,
in some respects, could not wait to leave home and in others could think of
moving on. Over the last two years I’ve grown to miss my family. I’m ashamed to
say I missed out on the valuable time with them while I had it, but you know
what they say, you never know what you’ve got, until you no longer have it. At
the same time, I’ve also made wonderful friends here in South Florida that have
become my family. In both cases we have our differences, we disagree, we fight,
we text, we talk, we reminisce, we judge, we help each other, we give advice, and
we make new memories. They are a huge part of my life.
Over the last week I’ve thought to myself “How amazing is my
family that in times of need, no matter have far away we are, we can get together
and support one another. No matter our differences, or how busy we are, we stop
and come running home.” It was an ah ha moment. Sort of a clarifying moment and
I know we are all very different, and we all have our drama and secrets, but
that seems to melt away when we are in times of need. We are, after all,
family.
I went on to think “But we never see each other anymore. How
sad is that.” On the contrary. With further thought, it makes holidays and trips
back home that much more special. Jim and I look forward to seeing the Hadsell’s,
Ferguson’s, Robbins’ and Duffy’s. Sure, we miss the birthdays, but we make sure
to send our love and call as often as we can. We make sure to spread the love
and visit everyone we can when we come in. (If we’ve missed you, please know,
we still love you and miss you.)
Moreover, when your friends are going through something life
changing and you get involved, it seems messy at first. It seems complicated
and at times, like it’s none of your business. Then you realize, you’re my
family and I’d like to help. I’d like to talk and support and let you get the
anger or happiness out and share in the moment. I want to be there for you. Honestly,
I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being there for you guys.
Young adulthood has helped me learn to fall in love all over
again with the people that really matter to me. It makes me think that as a
teenager, I was a little distant when I should have attended more events. As we
get older and people start to pass on, it makes me think. How many more times
will I get to see you? How many more memories will we get to make together and
that prompts me to do more. See my friends more. Go to things when I’m exhausted.
Invite them to brunch, answer that group text, call my mom more, text my
cousins more frequently, and interject to say, “Tell them ‘Hi’ for me.” because
you never know when they will be gone, or you’ll move away, or someone breaks
up or “moves on” and you don’t get the chance to see them or talk with them
again.
I’m blessed. I’ve got good people in my life. So, I ask
again. How do YOU measure a life? Maybe its about time you start thinking about
that.
