Family Comes First

Becoming a mother changed me in so many ways. I think the way it changed me most of all is that it completely rearranged my priorities. Looking back to before Emma was born, I feel like I took my family for granted. I just expected them to be there when I needed them, even if I wasn't necessarily going to do the same for them. I undervalued one of my most valued possessions - the love of my family. Since Emma came along, I have never felt closer to each member of my family, especially my mom and dad. It has completely redefined my relationships with them, and I don't feel like I take them for granted anymore.

Having come to this realization, it now makes me angry to see people taking their own family for granted. I feel like I want to shake them and make them realize what they're giving up so they don't make the same mistake I did for so long. Now, I realize that some families have problems. Some families have major problems. Some are reparable, some are not. For the families whose problems are fixable, it always seems to be that either one or both sides are unwilling to take steps to fix the problem. I encountered a situation recently where an acquaintance of mine bashed her family repeatedly to anyone who would listen, and then turned around and asked them for money when she was in a financial pinch. Now how is that working toward solving the problem? You only like them when you need them?

Speaking from experience here, there is no greater mistake than ignoring the love of your family. So take a look around and ask yourself if the reasons you are ignoring their love are really worth it. If your friends are egging you on in the alienation, or even condoning it, ask yourself if that's really what a friend should do. If you like them only when you need them, ask yourself what kind of person that makes you. If the problems in yours are not fixable, create a new family. But if they are, take the steps to fix it, because you won't regret it. You never know what life will throw at you, and your family can end up being your greatest resource. Imagine what your life would look like if they weren't there anymore. If that thought scares you, maybe it's time to make a phone call. You are only given one family; don't take that for granted.