Gifts from God - My Extended Family

Before I begin, let me go ahead and say that is "topic" may turn out to be a mini-series of sorts :-). But like I said in my first "Gifts from God" post, I'm having a moment. So bare with me and sit back and enjoy.

Now, back to the business at hand. My extended family.

Thank you God, for the gift of: My Parents
It goes without saying, that if it wasn't for these 2 people, I wouldn't be here. My mom and dad met eachother on a sort of blind date. My mother is from Mobile, AL and was living in New York with my aunt. Our cousin invited my mom to a party so that she could meet some people, as she was new in town. My dad happened to be at this same party. Anyway, long story short, they
hit it off and after dating for a while, Julius and Sheila were married. Then in 1966, I came along. Unfortunately, their marriage didn't work out. But I will say that my parents are unlike any other people I've ever met :-). My dad is a HILARIOUS man and will give the shirt off his back for anyone. Especially his "baby girl". (I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm STILL a daddy's girl) My mom, is a beautiful woman and also has an amazingly witty personality. Today, my mom is married to a wonderful man, Peter and I love him like a father. Although me and my parents have had our share of ups & downs, they truly, truly love me and I them. For this gift, I am thankful!!

Thank you God, for the gift of: My sister, Kimberlei (Kimmy)
Me and my sister, Kimmy are 10 years and 5 days apart. Boy, it sure was different to get a sibling after being an only child for 10 years. Although there's a huge difference in our ages, I couldn't have chosen a better person to be my little sister. I wish Kimmy and I had been closer and were able to do more things together. But again, the age difference didn't always allow that. By the time she was old enough for our mother to let us "hang out" together, I was moving into my own place...with my daughter. However, we did go to a few concerts (that was a funny experience) and she spent some time with us on the weekends. As with other families, we had our differences...some of which have transpired since we've become adults. But the one thing that I think brought us a little closer was when Marque and I became the legal guardians of Kimmy's son, Markell. I was and still am honored that she trusted US to be the ones to raise her son in a home where she wouldn't have to worry about him. I love my sister and wouldn't trade her for the world. For this gift, I am thankful!!
Thank you God, for the gift of: My Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins & other family members
What a blessing it is to be a part of a large family. As far as siblings go, there was only me and Kimmy. But we are SOO blessed to have our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandparents. Sure, some of our family members are no longer here on earth with us. But we still have their memories to cherish and smile back on. This would be a HUGE posting if I were to add ALL the names of my extended family. And I'm sure it would be worth to do it if I knew that they would all read this. But I will just say...in a blanket statement...that I truly, TRULY love EACH and EVERY one of my family members. I always look forward to spending time with them and visiting them when we go for holidays or for those "just because" visits. What a blessing to have the support of FAMILY. For this gift, I am thankful!!

Jesus' blood bought us more than salvation - it bought us a family.

1 Corinthians 10: 16 -17