The LaVoys and Mr. Smith

Since this is where I started my life, some years ago, this is where I thought I would start this new year of gratitude.  This is my family – my parents, sister, sister’s dog, nephew, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, and husband.  These people mean the world to me.  I don’t see my family -minus my husband – very often. However, every day, yes truly every day,  I spend time thinking of, hoping for, and praying for each one of them.   Each one has taught me things that have shaped who I am.  We have shared special events in each other’s lives, both good and not so good, and we will continue to be there for each other regardless…

Families are such a huge part of who we are and what we hope to be. I believe families truly are the foundation of everything; where would any of us be without our families. For good and for bad our families or in some cases, lack there of, form us. I feel lucky in that, even though our family is far from perfect, we are still a family.  My parents have been married for over 55 years, through thick and thin, good and bad, they still stick together.  They have taught me about God, about how to work hard, and in general how to strive to be a good person.  My sister has taught me about compassion.  She is passionate about caring.  My brother and his wife gave me an amazing opportunity to be a part of bringing home their eldest daughter from China.  An experience that I will cherish in my heart for ever. There are no words to share how I feel about my nephew and my nieces.  I love them dearly.  They are incredible people in their own right. I love to watch as their interests and personalities develop and they grow and learn and live their lives.

This leaves the man standing next to me in the photo, my husband; my very dear and loving husband.  He has helped me become a much better person than I would have on my own.  We complement each other’s personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. I love our life, it’s not perfect, but it’s really good.  Together we have created our own family with two dogs and an “exchange son.”  Yes, it’s not the family we had dreamed and hoped for but it’s our family and we feel blessed.

I am grateful for … being a LaVoy and now for being a Smith.