What I know about families.

I have been thinking about family.  My family, Tim's family, my child's extended family, families at church,

 co- workers families, families on tv, my children's friends families.  All of it. 

Going through my mind over and over and over and over.

The biggest thing that stares me in the face

about all families?

Each and every person in each and every family? 

NONE OF US ARE PERFECT. 

That being said, we still  need to love, care for

and support each other. 

 Inperfections and all. 

Good days and Bad days.

Some are really good at that.  Like my Mom.  You always know she will be there to listen, love, support, laugh and cry with you.  Heart of gold.

Some are not so good at it.  Maybe because they never learned how.  Maybe because they don't know how to be happy.  Maybe because of insecurity or fear.  Maybe because their hurt wants to hurt back. 

Maybe because they look at life through "me" eyes. 

Maybe that is all of us some times.

We all have not so good moments. 

But I have always thought that families have

more good moments than not so good. 

That if there was a hurt or misunderstanding or mistake

by an imperfect family member,

it could be made better. 

Even if it took years to accomplish. 

My sister and I are a testament to that. 

And so...

I had this image in my mind.

That when George's time was close, the nurse would call. 

 His son and his daughters would gather to say good bye. 

They would hug, cry and support each other. 

But Heavenly Father and George had another image. 

And then somehow the hugs, love, support and

realization that each child is grieving got lost.

Each child (even as an adult) handles the loss of Dad 

in their own way

 and on their own terms. 

And that is how it should be. 

And when the time is new and fresh

and your head knows Dad is gone

but your heart has not accepted it yet,

minds do not always think clearly.

And so today, I hope and pray each of George's children

would come to realize they need each other. 

That oversights are not intentional. 

That they are all grieving their Dad. 

 And that this time can never be redone. 

None of us are perfect.

But we are family.