A post without pictures

So today, I have decided not to post a picture.  Instead, I need to tell a story.  Almost 17 years ago now I lost my dad.  Through a series of cascading events, he was taken from this earth by a merciful God - a God that I have been angry at, grateful for, the whole gamut of emotions.  But today, I find myself struggling...

In the course of the past several weeks, my uncle, who was my dad's oldest brother, was diagnosed with cancer.  It has been very difficult for me to watch, and has brought a large amount of feelings and emotions back that I thought I had dealt with. 

I now watch my cousins, many of which that I am very close to, now going through what I went through.  I understand the feelings that they have, because I had them at the time.  I am so grateful for them, as they helped me through that very difficult time back in 1994.  And now,  I watch as they try to put their feelings in their respective places. 

My uncle was there for me.  He never tried to take the place of my dad.  Rather, he filled a void and continued a legacy of teaching by example, and showing unconditional love.  He taught his children in ways that I hope that I am able to teach my own children.  He and his wonderful wife took me (and shortly after) and my family under their wing, and treated me as if I were one of their kids.  They have treated my kids as their own grandchildren.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.

I have never been one to preach religion.  In fact, my typical answer to my religious views is that I see churches on every street corner.  However...that being said, I do believe in God.  I don't understand why everything happens.  I don't even try anymore.  But I do know that things happen on His timeline, and not mine.

I am so very grateful for the precious time that I have had with my extended family, and I consider Teague, Kirk, Alicia, Cory and Christoper as siblings to me.  I love my own little family.  And I love my extended family.