Gratitude For Family

Last night I returned from Atlanta, where I was home spending time with my ailing stepmom and family. This was one of the most difficult trips I've ever taken, as it was extremely emotional, saddening, and exhausting--but it was also one of the most important trips I've ever taken, as I was able to begin saying goodbye to Anita. As you can see in the image above (one where we wheeled her bed out into the courtyard at Hospice Atlanta, the truly wonderful place where she's staying), my brothers also came home so that we could all be together. 

Although the time home was very hard, it reminded me of the importance of family. I felt this overwhelming love and gratitude for my family the entire time I was there, and it's still bubbling up inside of me. During our small speeches about our bridal party at our Rehearsal Dinner, I spoke briefly about looking back at family photographs from when I was younger, and seeing my brothers in so many of the pictures. I was struck by the simple fact that your family is there for everything--only your siblings can truly relate to exactly where you come from, what you've been through, and why you are the way that you are--and your family is the one who bands together when times are both good and bad, and when someone truly needs help or love. Seeing as though it's November now, the month of gratitude, I felt it was important to bring this up today. 

Often, we can forget to express our love and appreciation for our families (and other loved ones) in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But when something difficult happens, it all comes back and you realize the importance of connecting and sharing your life with one another. Have you told those that you love just how much you love them lately? Have you called a sibling, or cousin, or grandparent that you're close to, just to talk? I think this is so very important, and my recent life events have reminded me of this. 

While at home, I spent most of my time in one of the following places: at Hospice visiting Anita, at home cleaning up/cooking/running errands for my dad, or on long walks outside, the antidote to so much time spent sitting in a chair inside. Below are a few more images that capture some of these parts of the trip...

The front porch, which is one of my favorite places at home. My dad and stepmom re-painted all of the furniture this summer when she was feeling better.

As you can see, we were still able to enjoy each other's company while home. We reminisced, threw the frisbee in the "churchyard" (an old family activity), cried together, laughed together, and ate many meals (dropped off by family friends) together. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for them, and know that we can get through anything and everything together.

What are you grateful for this month? How can you express your gratitude? 
Now is the perfect time to do it :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine