Today is a busy day in my family.
First, it is my mother's birthday. She's trying to ignore it, but that's just not going to happen :) Happy birthday, Mama Farr-- you are amazing. After spending the better part of the last 30 years raising five children (and doing it well, in my opinion), she's still setting an incredible example for all of us. In her own soft, subtle way, she's taught me how to be a strong woman-- a woman who is comfortable being a wife and a mother, but a woman who doesn't need that to define her. A woman who has a successful career and still doesn't let that define her. A confident, kind, smart woman. My mother taught me to be a woman who is comfortable running a a business, nursing a patient, making a meal, or tucking a baby into bed. She taught me that by being that woman. And I love her for it.
Second, it's my brother-in-law, Sean's, birthday. (He made it easy for us to remember!) Sean has been such a fantastic addition to our family. He has supported Shayla through medical school, residency, and early mornings (not a good time for Farr girls), has been a wonderful father, and a great friend. Peter and I really miss living right around the corner from them, and not just because Sean is a really, really good cook. OK, well mostly because Sean is a good cook... But really now. We love having Sean in our family!
And third, today marks the day my dear, sweet cousin, Ben, passed away in 2004. His passing was tragic, and I wish I could say the pain of losing him gets duller with time, but it doesn't. What does get better, what has helped me to come to terms with his death, is his fantastic family. Their beautiful relationships have helped us to all accept a life ended too soon, and while it should be me offering strength and support to them, it is all too often the other way around. Some of the best times I can remember involve sitting around with my Aunt and Uncle and Cousins, laughing, crying, and most importantly, remembering. I thank them for helping to make Ben the incredible boy that he was, and for helping me remember what is really important during our short, brief lives: family.
What a day, what a day.
1 comment:
Thanks Amanda for the beautiful post. While it gives me far too much credit, it highlights the importance of family and the strength they can be in our lives. The Eberle family continue to be a wonderful source of inspiration and faith. I am grateful for your example of eloquent strength through times of adversity. Your joy of life even in difficult times is a testament to the blessing of deep faith and the strength and joy it brings to each of us who but seek it. Know I love you dearly. Mom (Mama Farr)
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