Have You Ever ...

noticed that when something big happens in your life, other day to day things get brought sharply into perspective?
My Uncle Howard was senselessly, painfully taken from us on the 9th of this month. The grief was almost unbearable. From one moment to the next, I was never sure if I'd be weeping over the injustice or laughing with others over a memory.
Our family really pulled together. It was hard to be there without my own personal support (Jerry had to work, as usual) but I always knew ... felt my family's love for me. I knew without considering it that I had a shoulder to cry on, a set of arms waiting to hold me, an ear to talk to.
The sudden painfulness of the situation really brought to attention the issues I have been having with various family members and made me wonder what is really important in the long run. Is it important to hold onto the hurt, anger and sadness? Or was I willing to embrace the situation, address it and be able to move on emotionally with our relationship?
The choice was easy to make. This is my family. No one has ever meant as much to me as the people I call mom, dad, sister, brother. I would be there for them without hesitation or consideration of much else if they needed me. "That is just what you do." Is what I hear running through my head.
A good friend of mine is currently going through a tremendously trying time herself right now. I find the contrast in our families astonishing. She has several brothers and sisters surrounding her, yet she is left alone to deal with this. Within hours of calling my family to tell them what was happening with Ms. R four years ago mom, Michael and Jenie were on a plane to come be with me. Dawn and dad would have been there the next day if she hadn't regained consciousness.
I will never again take for granted what my family and I have and do for each other. While it is how I feel it should be, the reality is we have something pretty darn special. We're "do-ers" not just "say-ers". I couldn't be more grateful for that.