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I don't know about you, but I loved the show Parenthood. My friend Trish told me about it and then I binge watched it on Netflix one summer. It's so dramatic, funny, and I think it's basically what everyone wants their family to be: supportive, caring, and consistent. Yeah, it's messy. Relationships are messy, but when you're dealing with family, it's worth the mess. 

I find myself thinking even more about family these days. Probably, because my immediate family has changed. I am so happy to be in this new season. It is so wonderful, and I am truly blessed. I was just thinking about the years I got to spend with my niece. I can't describe the love I have for this girl. I love her like my own child. I have since the moment I met her. I was living in Long Beach. Mom and Tena came to visit and show off this cute little baby girl. I instantly fell in love with her. She was little, but round. I was so sad that I missed out on meeting her when she was first born. She was such a happy baby. She didn't even cry that much. As she grew her personality got bigger.
Before she could form real sentences she would tell you off in gibberish, or yell, "EEE, AYE  EEE, AYE, OH!" Once she was able to speak in complete sentences, which was around two, she would say things like, "Oh! You make me so nerves!" 
This was classic, Madi. 



I make her sound like an angry child, but she wasn't. I just remember those things, because they made me laugh, so hard. She had this little toy that looked like a cd player. It had four buttons, and would play different styles of music. She would bring that toy into the room, set it on the floor and with her pacifier to the side, say, "Watch." Then she would push a button and start dancing. This makes me laugh too. She has always had expressive eyebrows. :)





This is classic, Madi now.





She is becoming an amazing young woman. This girl has experienced more in life than most kids her age, and she walks with grace and dignity. I am amazed by who she is and who she is becoming.

I have had the honor of getting to experience motherhood in a lot of ways through my niece. 
I got to do parent teacher conferences, open houses, and see her sing solos. It has been an incredible ride. When she and my sister moved to North Carolina, it was difficult. There was a deep sadness in me that is there still. I miss this girl! It's so important to cherish the time we have with people. Enjoy it while we have them. Take the time to spend with them, and don't rush through life.

Now I'm finding myself in a new season where I get to spend time with my husband’s niece and nephew. It's so great. I still ache for Madi, but these new relationships help. One day I hope God blesses me with a child of my own, but until then I'm going to cherish the ones He has entrusted me with through others. I'm so blessed and grateful for them. 
Until Next Time!
XO,
T

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