Celebrating Success

This past weekend, we celebrated Jake going away to play tennis for Indiana. The whole family, three generations proudly wore their red/white in support of his dream. All of my sweet family wrote him a note of encouragement and blessing, from his grandparents to the cousins he grew up with each one had beautiful sentiments of love for him. It was emotionally overwhelming, as you you imagine. As the day came to an end and looked at this family photo, I realized there should be a celebration for every person in it. Whether my father, who worked three jobs at a time to support us. My mom, who tirelessly gave of herself instilling moral value and principles, teaching us to give of ourselves every opportunity we can. My niece, Lauren, she started her family at such a young age and yet she have overcome obstacles that most would have just caved at. She provides for her family and loves her babies. My other niece, Val, she has strived to be the best momma to her little angel Emalina. She works hard every day to help her sweet husband. Which brings us to Jose, Jose has been a little man since he was born. He has a heart of gold and loves his girls with everything he has. Drea Lynn is in high school, she's an athlete and one day we will send her off to a great college too. She works hard and is always fighting to stay on the narrow path. Alaina, is my youngest niece, she is amazingly intelligent and has an appetite for reading. She's a precious jewel and loves to fight with her grandma, keeps her young! My brother Joe, is not in the picture since he was taking it. Joe has done such a great job at being available for my neices with absent dads. He loves on them and tries his best to teach them--when they have ears to hear! My point is, this whole family should be celebrated for who they are, for where they've been and for the great things still yet to do. We are overcomers, we are full of passion, and we come from a long line of God fearing people that know our strength and love are reflections of the many blessings He has poured out on us. He has saved us from ourselves on more than one occasion and we never never forget all He has done for us. These are my people and I couldn't be more proud!