Birthday Wishes!

Going through my files this past week and getting ready for my tax appointment, I stumbled across this poem that belonged to my mom, posted on the backside of our family tree. I wanted to share it with you today. There is probably none of us who doesn't have to work on forgiveness. I will be the first to confess it's an ongoing process. I have been mentored by the woman who's birthday occurs today even though she is no longer with us~Happy Birthday Mom! This is a poem she really lived by...I wonder how she did it sometimes...6 children and all.

Happy Birthday, Mom, Gram, Great Gram!

Family

When it's family, you forgive them

for they know not what they do.

When it's family, you accept them

because you have no choice but to.

When it's family, the're a mirror of

the worst and best in you.

And they always put you to the test

and you always try to do your best,

And just pray to God to do the rest,

when it's family.

Some are preachers, by the day,

some are addicts, drunks and strays.

But not a one is turned away,

when it's family.

Some are lucky, others ain't, some are

fighters, others faint.

Winners, losers, sinners, saints,

it's all family.

And when it's family, you trust them

and your heart's an open door.

When it's family, you love and hate

and take, then give some more.

Somehow you justify mistakes, try to

find some better way

to solve the problems day to day,

in the family.

You take the trouble as it comes

and love them more than anyone.

Good or bad or indifferent,

it's still family.

You choose your lovers, you pick your

friends, not the family that you are in.

They'll be with you until the end

because it's family.

(by Parton/Perkins)

We're a small blog...we cater to family and friends and so many of you knew this woman and can attest to the fact ~ she rarely if any ever spoke an ill word about someone. She loved her family, lived by the motto of forgiveness, and it inspires us to reach higher and live better. We're not there yet, but it's a goal we might not have had without our

"Birthday Girl" as a shining example.