I open Facebook today and there are sweet words about my great-nephew Calvin who we lost a year ago today. I remember the day vividly when I opened the e-mail from my brother and my world stopped. Sisters and I took action and went to take care of family. It was an amazing few days. What I experienced in those days when we were together as a family is:
- that we are better together than apart
- that no matter how far we live from each other, we are still family
- that our family love goes deep
- that we take care of each other
- that we feel each other's hurt
- that we feel each others love
- that we are family.....
How lucky we are to have each other. I was looking through Calvin's mom's blog and came upon the pictures she recently dedicated a blog post to. As I went through the pictures my eyes filled with tears. Although Calvin was not part of my everyday life, he was very much a part of my life because he is family.
Seeing my brother's family all come together and care for each other - to celebrate Calvin and what he gave in the short time he was on Earth - was incredible. How lucky I was to be part of this experience. Those things that challenge us in life make us even stronger.
So as I live my life - day by day - I am continually reminded of the love that we have. On those days that are exhausting and full of some type of anguish - I remember Calvin and the joy he brought to so many people in his life.
