Parting Gift: Act 1 (Monica)
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Monday, September 3, 2018
My Wolf and My Shoes....
My relationship with shoes has been, well, interesting. I have always loved shoes. However, I did not actively pursue my passion until just before I turned 50. Much to my surprise, I discovered that I love high heels. I enjoyed the fact that I could actually feel the sway of my hips. You see, I did not know until the age of 50 that I even had a sway to my hips.
To say that I was a late bloomer would be an understatement...
Between the age of 48-50, my life was filled with many life changing events. Some were painful, some were challenging, but most were pretty awesome. Such is life.
At 48, I was diagnosed with Lupus. There have been many ups and downs, but God has been more than good to me, so no complaints. I never forget just how blessed I am.
Two months ago, I celebrated my 67th birthday. I also had to accept that there were changes in my body that although somewhat expected, would force me to make some unexpected adjustments in my normal experiences.
My Lupus symptoms have always been fatigue and joint pain. Over the years, I have made peace with my wolf ( my Lupus), who thinks she is protecting me from harm. As we both get older, she seems to be even more aggressive in her protection of...me.
She seems to feel the need to stay very close to my left ankle. I am not angry or discouraged, I just take the pain medication and keep it moving; sometimes moving a lot slower, but moving none the less.
With great sadness, I have accepted the fact that high heel shoes are likely a part of my past. Since I started late, I do feel somewhat cheated. Considering the length of time I have had Lupus, I am fully aware that even with the intense ankle pain, and the possible loss of the sway of my hips, I am still thankful to God for my life, as it is.
Getting older has never been a problem for me, but I will admit that for the very first time, I can feel the changing of the guard, so to speak. I am strong enough to handle these rapid new changes, and I am also okay with how I feel about them. I have been blessed with a laid back personality. I accept my reality, and make the necessary adjustments needed to live the best life possible. I have absolutely no desire to be young again, but that does not mean that growing 'ole' is an easy part of life's journey.
Dreams are often deferred, loved ones pass on, regrets sometimes visit our spirits, and too often, illness sets up permanent residence in our lives or our loved ones. None of which are easy. Thankfully, we are wise enough to know that our wins exceed or losses, and our blessings far, far, exceed any disappointments and sadness.
So now what?
Well, my style is a combination of classic and bohemian. I am not a huge fan of traditional flats, so the ones that I have will have to be a good start on my wardrobe updates.
At the age of 50, I also made the decision to wear whatever my heart desires. Again, no explanations, and no apologies.
For my 65th birthday, I bought two pair of moccasins/with fringe. I loved them in the 70's and I love them now. My kids give me the side eye ( and probably a few other people as well), but of course, I don't care in the least.
This year, I have decided to revisit Chuck Taylor sneakers. They have great colors; a huge improvement over the black ones I had in high school. I love the way they make me feel. I wonder if the high top style would help my ankle?? (Smiling...)
Hopefully, I can manage low heel wedges. We shall see.
I am a survivor, because God is the source of my strength. If I one day need to walk with a cane, which is not unusual for Lupus patients, I will find an assortment of really cool canes, stand as tall as possible, embrace my blessings, and keep it moving...
...with grace and dignity.
God is with us through every season of our lives.
He is our strength and our refuge.
Whether our gait is strong and sure, or has become a cautious shuffle; both literally and figuratively,
God, our heavenly Father, will never leave us.
His love is indeed forever.
~SK~
To say that I was a late bloomer would be an understatement...
Between the age of 48-50, my life was filled with many life changing events. Some were painful, some were challenging, but most were pretty awesome. Such is life.
At 48, I was diagnosed with Lupus. There have been many ups and downs, but God has been more than good to me, so no complaints. I never forget just how blessed I am.
Two months ago, I celebrated my 67th birthday. I also had to accept that there were changes in my body that although somewhat expected, would force me to make some unexpected adjustments in my normal experiences.
My Lupus symptoms have always been fatigue and joint pain. Over the years, I have made peace with my wolf ( my Lupus), who thinks she is protecting me from harm. As we both get older, she seems to be even more aggressive in her protection of...me.
She seems to feel the need to stay very close to my left ankle. I am not angry or discouraged, I just take the pain medication and keep it moving; sometimes moving a lot slower, but moving none the less.
With great sadness, I have accepted the fact that high heel shoes are likely a part of my past. Since I started late, I do feel somewhat cheated. Considering the length of time I have had Lupus, I am fully aware that even with the intense ankle pain, and the possible loss of the sway of my hips, I am still thankful to God for my life, as it is.
Getting older has never been a problem for me, but I will admit that for the very first time, I can feel the changing of the guard, so to speak. I am strong enough to handle these rapid new changes, and I am also okay with how I feel about them. I have been blessed with a laid back personality. I accept my reality, and make the necessary adjustments needed to live the best life possible. I have absolutely no desire to be young again, but that does not mean that growing 'ole' is an easy part of life's journey.
Dreams are often deferred, loved ones pass on, regrets sometimes visit our spirits, and too often, illness sets up permanent residence in our lives or our loved ones. None of which are easy. Thankfully, we are wise enough to know that our wins exceed or losses, and our blessings far, far, exceed any disappointments and sadness.
So now what?
Well, my style is a combination of classic and bohemian. I am not a huge fan of traditional flats, so the ones that I have will have to be a good start on my wardrobe updates.
At the age of 50, I also made the decision to wear whatever my heart desires. Again, no explanations, and no apologies.
For my 65th birthday, I bought two pair of moccasins/with fringe. I loved them in the 70's and I love them now. My kids give me the side eye ( and probably a few other people as well), but of course, I don't care in the least.
This year, I have decided to revisit Chuck Taylor sneakers. They have great colors; a huge improvement over the black ones I had in high school. I love the way they make me feel. I wonder if the high top style would help my ankle?? (Smiling...)
Hopefully, I can manage low heel wedges. We shall see.
I am a survivor, because God is the source of my strength. If I one day need to walk with a cane, which is not unusual for Lupus patients, I will find an assortment of really cool canes, stand as tall as possible, embrace my blessings, and keep it moving...
...with grace and dignity.
God is with us through every season of our lives.
He is our strength and our refuge.
Whether our gait is strong and sure, or has become a cautious shuffle; both literally and figuratively,
God, our heavenly Father, will never leave us.
His love is indeed forever.
~SK~
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Selective Sin
I have been deeply pondering this topic over the last couple of weeks.
Being a lifelong Christian, the presence and wages of sin are fundamental components of my system of belief.
It is also my belief that how a person practices their belief system, is their very personal choice.
Okay,,
For me, the overall cloud of distrust, confusion, and negativity that is quickly infusing our society is a clear indication that the Love and Power of God is the only answer to the challenges that will affect all of us in the years to come.
Not just a select few; all of us.
Negativity has a unique way of backwashing to include the origin.
God is Love.
I do not consider myself to be religious. For the first 25-30 years of my life, I failed to look close enough to understand exactly what that word meant to me.
When I began to see the business aspect, and the actual references to 'church' as a business, I was forced to ask some serious questions.
Admittedly, it was several years later before I sought answers from God and His word.
When we think of a business, we think of customers or clients,, right?
The need to keep clients/customers/ members(?) content and satisfied is important,,right?
In this competitive world, the goal is usually centered around 'growing' said business,, right?
Is it possible that leaders are compelled, or at the very least expected, to be tactful, cautious, and yes, selective when choosing a particular sin to focus on??
A video was recently posted on social media that I personally found disturbing.
A well known religious leader gave a sermon that was extremely intense in the condemnation, and demonizing of homosexuality.
Her beliefs,,,her platform,,,her right to express her feelings.
However,,,
I have heard many, many, many sermons during my lifetime, and not, for the first time, I was struck by the vitriol associated with this particular sin.
I have also never heard a sermon that addressed other, more 'accepted by society' sin with such passion.
Why?
Let's look at a few examples..
Fornication,,,sex outside of marriage. Period. Point blank.
(While it would be nice, I have never found an exception.)
(whether or not he is fine and she is hot does not make it okay,,or does it?
"well, we plan on getting married",,right?)
Adultery,,,,a married person engaging in sexual relations with a person other than their spouse.
(whether or not your flesh is weak, and your spouse doesn't understand you does not make it okay,,or does it?)
There are of course, many other sins addressed in the Bible, but I chose these because of the sexual nature.
Sex is a powerful temptation that is easy to justify within ourselves.
But, should it be??
Sure, I have heard sermons that very gently 'teach' about the wrongness of fornication and adultery, but I have never seen a minister/pastor charge across the pulpit, shaking their fingers at the congregation with such condemnation.
Nor have I witnessed the condemnation of domestic violence and child abuse addressed with such sweeping angst.
Is it possible that it is likely there are more people indulging in sex outside of marriage or adultery than there are homosexuals in the congregation??
Could it be that offending a few tithe paying homosexuals is more financially acceptable than a much larger number of 'acceptable sinners'??
Sin breaks the spirit and hearts of people.
Sin destroys families. (a so called simple lie can infect generations of families)
Sin is sin.
There is no select-a-dial.
We were all born in sin.
God gave His only begotten Son, so that our sins may be forgiven.
We will be in a battle against sin until we take our last breath.
God did not give us the power or ability to judge the sins of others.
Yes, He will give us wisdom and a spirit of discernment.
He mandates that we love our neighbors, our fellow men, as we love ourselves.
He does not need our help in doing His job.
We will stand before Him on the final day of judgment.
This world needs people to show compassion and love to one another....
...not destructive displays of condemnation under the guise of doing God"s will.
It does not matter if the hateful words are on a political platform, or the confines of a pulpit, the harm is still present.
GOD IS LOVE.
How much more simple can it be??
Being a lifelong Christian, the presence and wages of sin are fundamental components of my system of belief.
It is also my belief that how a person practices their belief system, is their very personal choice.
Okay,,
For me, the overall cloud of distrust, confusion, and negativity that is quickly infusing our society is a clear indication that the Love and Power of God is the only answer to the challenges that will affect all of us in the years to come.
Not just a select few; all of us.
Negativity has a unique way of backwashing to include the origin.
God is Love.
I do not consider myself to be religious. For the first 25-30 years of my life, I failed to look close enough to understand exactly what that word meant to me.
When I began to see the business aspect, and the actual references to 'church' as a business, I was forced to ask some serious questions.
Admittedly, it was several years later before I sought answers from God and His word.
When we think of a business, we think of customers or clients,, right?
The need to keep clients/customers/ members(?) content and satisfied is important,,right?
In this competitive world, the goal is usually centered around 'growing' said business,, right?
Is it possible that leaders are compelled, or at the very least expected, to be tactful, cautious, and yes, selective when choosing a particular sin to focus on??
A video was recently posted on social media that I personally found disturbing.
A well known religious leader gave a sermon that was extremely intense in the condemnation, and demonizing of homosexuality.
Her beliefs,,,her platform,,,her right to express her feelings.
However,,,
I have heard many, many, many sermons during my lifetime, and not, for the first time, I was struck by the vitriol associated with this particular sin.
I have also never heard a sermon that addressed other, more 'accepted by society' sin with such passion.
Why?
Let's look at a few examples..
Fornication,,,sex outside of marriage. Period. Point blank.
(While it would be nice, I have never found an exception.)
(whether or not he is fine and she is hot does not make it okay,,or does it?
"well, we plan on getting married",,right?)
Adultery,,,,a married person engaging in sexual relations with a person other than their spouse.
(whether or not your flesh is weak, and your spouse doesn't understand you does not make it okay,,or does it?)
There are of course, many other sins addressed in the Bible, but I chose these because of the sexual nature.
Sex is a powerful temptation that is easy to justify within ourselves.
But, should it be??
Sure, I have heard sermons that very gently 'teach' about the wrongness of fornication and adultery, but I have never seen a minister/pastor charge across the pulpit, shaking their fingers at the congregation with such condemnation.
Nor have I witnessed the condemnation of domestic violence and child abuse addressed with such sweeping angst.
Is it possible that it is likely there are more people indulging in sex outside of marriage or adultery than there are homosexuals in the congregation??
Could it be that offending a few tithe paying homosexuals is more financially acceptable than a much larger number of 'acceptable sinners'??
Sin breaks the spirit and hearts of people.
Sin destroys families. (a so called simple lie can infect generations of families)
Sin is sin.
There is no select-a-dial.
We were all born in sin.
God gave His only begotten Son, so that our sins may be forgiven.
We will be in a battle against sin until we take our last breath.
God did not give us the power or ability to judge the sins of others.
Yes, He will give us wisdom and a spirit of discernment.
He mandates that we love our neighbors, our fellow men, as we love ourselves.
He does not need our help in doing His job.
We will stand before Him on the final day of judgment.
This world needs people to show compassion and love to one another....
...not destructive displays of condemnation under the guise of doing God"s will.
It does not matter if the hateful words are on a political platform, or the confines of a pulpit, the harm is still present.
GOD IS LOVE.
How much more simple can it be??
Friday, December 16, 2016
Musings of An Elderly Woman.....This Elderly Woman Part 2
I have been reminded over the last few days, that the term 'elderly' is often associated with limitations, and weakness. There is also a slight sense of sadness.
I strongly disagree.
Although society is quick to define the categories in which people are placed, at this age, most of us have mastered the art of dancing to the beat of our own drum.
Hopefully, in some small way, this post will help remove the stigma that seems to accompany these Golden Years.
I am honored.
~
Health and Wellness
Health issues can be life changing at any age.
Even during difficult times, our attitude can have a great impact on the quality of our lives. If not physically, this is certainly true regarding our emotional journey.
The greatest hurdle is most often fear. Not a fear of dying; most people who have lived to become my age, have made peace with their creator.
It is the fear of being alone for many, and the fear of becoming a burden to our loved ones, for even more.
Perhaps the least talked about fear, is the possibility of diminishing mental capacity.
These fears are very, very real.
God is not the author of fear, so, this is a time when pure and simple faith is the answer.
That, and the assurance that we are never truly alone, because, God's love and presence are forever.
Family members and potential caregivers can help, by giving assurances that their love and support are genuine acts of love.
Not grudging, patronizing obligation.
Younger generations will have to accept that medical issues do not discriminate.
Eating healthy, and remaining active will certainly enhance your life, and usually aid in the management of many health issues.
However.....many people can be seemingly healthy one week, and suddenly find themselves fighting to survive the next.
The challenges of illness can be extremely frustrating.
Sometimes, it can be a struggle to remain patient and loving, when physical changes, pain, and fear seem to have taken up permanent residence inside your heard.
This is not an excuse to be rude and difficult.
A reason, yes... understandable, yes.
Never an excuse.
We must be kind to ourselves as well as those in our world.
One does not make it this far without facing many, many battles.
Some have been lost, but, our survival proves that more have been won.
We have the wounds and scars that document our war efforts.
We must hold tightly onto the fact that God did not bring us this far to leave us now.
The roles of both receiving care and providing care are challenging.....to say the very least!
Prayers for strength, compassion, and patience must be a constant.
Sometimes, slightly pulling back to take a deep breath can be priceless.
Take ALL of your needs to God.
He understands.
He is the source of our strength and comfort.
Fashion
This will be very brief.
I do not require anyone's advice or permission regarding my choice of dress.
My style belongs to me.
It is as unique as I am.
Any woman my age, will know what suits her best.
No apologies, or explanations will be given.
Cool.
Soon..
Part 3
I strongly disagree.
Although society is quick to define the categories in which people are placed, at this age, most of us have mastered the art of dancing to the beat of our own drum.
Hopefully, in some small way, this post will help remove the stigma that seems to accompany these Golden Years.
I am honored.
~
Health and Wellness
Health issues can be life changing at any age.
Even during difficult times, our attitude can have a great impact on the quality of our lives. If not physically, this is certainly true regarding our emotional journey.
The greatest hurdle is most often fear. Not a fear of dying; most people who have lived to become my age, have made peace with their creator.
It is the fear of being alone for many, and the fear of becoming a burden to our loved ones, for even more.
Perhaps the least talked about fear, is the possibility of diminishing mental capacity.
These fears are very, very real.
God is not the author of fear, so, this is a time when pure and simple faith is the answer.
That, and the assurance that we are never truly alone, because, God's love and presence are forever.
Family members and potential caregivers can help, by giving assurances that their love and support are genuine acts of love.
Not grudging, patronizing obligation.
Younger generations will have to accept that medical issues do not discriminate.
Eating healthy, and remaining active will certainly enhance your life, and usually aid in the management of many health issues.
However.....many people can be seemingly healthy one week, and suddenly find themselves fighting to survive the next.
The challenges of illness can be extremely frustrating.
Sometimes, it can be a struggle to remain patient and loving, when physical changes, pain, and fear seem to have taken up permanent residence inside your heard.
This is not an excuse to be rude and difficult.
A reason, yes... understandable, yes.
Never an excuse.
We must be kind to ourselves as well as those in our world.
One does not make it this far without facing many, many battles.
Some have been lost, but, our survival proves that more have been won.
We have the wounds and scars that document our war efforts.
We must hold tightly onto the fact that God did not bring us this far to leave us now.
The roles of both receiving care and providing care are challenging.....to say the very least!
Prayers for strength, compassion, and patience must be a constant.
Sometimes, slightly pulling back to take a deep breath can be priceless.
Take ALL of your needs to God.
He understands.
He is the source of our strength and comfort.
Fashion
This will be very brief.
I do not require anyone's advice or permission regarding my choice of dress.
My style belongs to me.
It is as unique as I am.
Any woman my age, will know what suits her best.
No apologies, or explanations will be given.
Cool.
Soon..
Part 3
Monday, December 12, 2016
Musings of An Elderly Woman....This Elderly Woman
It is official.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, I am officially an Elderly woman.
I have yet to figure out if that means I am now a step beyond a Senior Citizen, or they are one and the same.
The day after my birthday, I asked myself whether I felt any different. Much to my surprise, the answer was yes, but not in the way I would have expected. I was immediately immersed in a zone of deep reflection. Six decades to reflect on, can be quite an experience.
I have decided to share a few of my thoughts on various topics....
Being a Single 65 Year Old Black Woman
Well first, I will admit that I did not expect to be single at 65. I did not expect a fine Black knight to come in and we both ride off into the sunset on his Candy Apple Red Harley.
Okay, okay, I did not exactly expect it, but the image did make a great storyline and dream material....
Of course, in the light of day, reality becomes just that...reality. I have written several blog posts since 2012 sharing my thoughts on being saved, single, and waiting on God. I have a very hard time imagining the opportunity to fall deeply in love and spend the rest of my life with a man that God has chosen just for me. A man who will see me as a blessing from God. A man who will see me as a priority; not just an option.
But, I do indeed believe in miracles.
I consider my life to be a miracle.
However, during my deep time of reflection, I realized that very gently, very lovingly, God has prepared me to embrace and welcome His will for me. Totally, whatever that might be.
I thought I had already reached this special place of spiritual growth, but at this time in my life, I know with blessed assurance that my peace has reached an even deeper level.
It is truly amazing because I know there is more to come. We will never stop growing in Go, and He will never stop growing in us.
There is no greater love than the love of God, and I will always be a priority for Him.
That is enough.
So, thankfully, I am quite comfortable being in my own company. But to be honest, I always have been.
I appreciate and enjoy my freedom to come and go as I please.
I enjoy having the confidence, courage, and wisdom to say what needs to be said, and the proper time to say it.
How nice it is to recognize that those times don't come as often as some people think they do.
Sadly, too many elderly people seem to forget the importance of being kind and respectful of others. Some things simply do not have be said ,done, ,,or expected.
There is never an excuse to be rude; doesn't matter if you are 19, 29, or 89.
I ask God regularly to please keep me from turning into a grumpy, bitter old woman.
On the rare occasion when I lose my patience, I am deeply disappointed in myself, even if I feel justified. I would rather live the rest of my days with these feelings than to ' go off ' for unimportant real, or imagined reasons.
One of the greatest blessings that should be a part of the aging process, is finally being able to discern just what is important.
Lightens the heavy load of life.
Family
My view of family has changed very little over the years.
I have always accepted people for who and what they were.
It has never been necessary for my family to fit in a box that I have chosen for them.
I have never expected them to conform to my way of thinking.
It is not necessary to like a family member's attitude or choices in life, to love them.
Holding grudges and hard feelings will eat at the core of the person harboring the feelings.
There will be a time when the issue will become almost nonexistent, but look at how much damage has been done in the interim.
The more time that passes, the harder it will become to reconcile the differences.
There is never a winner., and the entire family suffers.
A person who seems to see only the negative in another person, usually needs to take a closer look at themselves, which I have learned over the years, is a full time,,, 24//7,,, 365 day job.
If a family member(s) is toxic, try not to judge them, but love them from afar. Since it is family, take time to look at yourself as well. Why not??
We must remember that while we share blood and lifelong bonds with our family, they are human, just like us and other humans. They have hopes, dreams, fears, issues, scars, and the ability to feel and cause grief.
A family member is in a position to support you,,,and,,, manipulate you.
Sometimes, things are simply not what they seem to be, but it is easy to get caught up in what we think we know about those closest to us.
It is important to keep our expectations realistic; for them as well as ourselves.
They are not perfect, and neither are we.
Just accept who they are, and pray they will do the same for you.
My family's dynamic is unique. But then, so are we.
But hey, aren't all families unique?
When we were all young, there were kids, a lot of activity, noise, and late, late nights.
Now, there is the calmness that comes from shared good times as well as shared grief....
.... deep powerful love that has managed to survive the maze of life.
This is Part 1 of my musings. I will post Part 2 tomorrow.
**I would like to thank my family and friends who have been encouraging me to return to my blog.
Health issues over the last couple of years have kept me away.
When I logged on, I was surprised to see that the views had reached 10,400, and I haven't posted in well over a year. That won't mean much to most people, but for, it means a lot.
I hope that my followers will be inclined to return.as well.
I am back
God is truly awesome.
Sammye Kaye
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, I am officially an Elderly woman.
I have yet to figure out if that means I am now a step beyond a Senior Citizen, or they are one and the same.
The day after my birthday, I asked myself whether I felt any different. Much to my surprise, the answer was yes, but not in the way I would have expected. I was immediately immersed in a zone of deep reflection. Six decades to reflect on, can be quite an experience.
I have decided to share a few of my thoughts on various topics....
Being a Single 65 Year Old Black Woman
Well first, I will admit that I did not expect to be single at 65. I did not expect a fine Black knight to come in and we both ride off into the sunset on his Candy Apple Red Harley.
Okay, okay, I did not exactly expect it, but the image did make a great storyline and dream material....
Of course, in the light of day, reality becomes just that...reality. I have written several blog posts since 2012 sharing my thoughts on being saved, single, and waiting on God. I have a very hard time imagining the opportunity to fall deeply in love and spend the rest of my life with a man that God has chosen just for me. A man who will see me as a blessing from God. A man who will see me as a priority; not just an option.
But, I do indeed believe in miracles.
I consider my life to be a miracle.
However, during my deep time of reflection, I realized that very gently, very lovingly, God has prepared me to embrace and welcome His will for me. Totally, whatever that might be.
I thought I had already reached this special place of spiritual growth, but at this time in my life, I know with blessed assurance that my peace has reached an even deeper level.
It is truly amazing because I know there is more to come. We will never stop growing in Go, and He will never stop growing in us.
There is no greater love than the love of God, and I will always be a priority for Him.
That is enough.
So, thankfully, I am quite comfortable being in my own company. But to be honest, I always have been.
I appreciate and enjoy my freedom to come and go as I please.
I enjoy having the confidence, courage, and wisdom to say what needs to be said, and the proper time to say it.
How nice it is to recognize that those times don't come as often as some people think they do.
Sadly, too many elderly people seem to forget the importance of being kind and respectful of others. Some things simply do not have be said ,done, ,,or expected.
There is never an excuse to be rude; doesn't matter if you are 19, 29, or 89.
I ask God regularly to please keep me from turning into a grumpy, bitter old woman.
On the rare occasion when I lose my patience, I am deeply disappointed in myself, even if I feel justified. I would rather live the rest of my days with these feelings than to ' go off ' for unimportant real, or imagined reasons.
One of the greatest blessings that should be a part of the aging process, is finally being able to discern just what is important.
Lightens the heavy load of life.
Family
My view of family has changed very little over the years.
I have always accepted people for who and what they were.
It has never been necessary for my family to fit in a box that I have chosen for them.
I have never expected them to conform to my way of thinking.
It is not necessary to like a family member's attitude or choices in life, to love them.
Holding grudges and hard feelings will eat at the core of the person harboring the feelings.
There will be a time when the issue will become almost nonexistent, but look at how much damage has been done in the interim.
The more time that passes, the harder it will become to reconcile the differences.
There is never a winner., and the entire family suffers.
A person who seems to see only the negative in another person, usually needs to take a closer look at themselves, which I have learned over the years, is a full time,,, 24//7,,, 365 day job.
If a family member(s) is toxic, try not to judge them, but love them from afar. Since it is family, take time to look at yourself as well. Why not??
We must remember that while we share blood and lifelong bonds with our family, they are human, just like us and other humans. They have hopes, dreams, fears, issues, scars, and the ability to feel and cause grief.
A family member is in a position to support you,,,and,,, manipulate you.
Sometimes, things are simply not what they seem to be, but it is easy to get caught up in what we think we know about those closest to us.
It is important to keep our expectations realistic; for them as well as ourselves.
They are not perfect, and neither are we.
Just accept who they are, and pray they will do the same for you.
My family's dynamic is unique. But then, so are we.
But hey, aren't all families unique?
When we were all young, there were kids, a lot of activity, noise, and late, late nights.
Now, there is the calmness that comes from shared good times as well as shared grief....
.... deep powerful love that has managed to survive the maze of life.
This is Part 1 of my musings. I will post Part 2 tomorrow.
**I would like to thank my family and friends who have been encouraging me to return to my blog.
Health issues over the last couple of years have kept me away.
When I logged on, I was surprised to see that the views had reached 10,400, and I haven't posted in well over a year. That won't mean much to most people, but for, it means a lot.
I hope that my followers will be inclined to return.as well.
I am back
God is truly awesome.
Sammye Kaye
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