While visiting via e-mail with a very dear friend of mine, she mentioned that the true measure of a person is the family that they produce. She was referring to my husband and me and how fortunate we were, but it got me thinking of my own parents and my childhood.
My brother, sister and I were brought up in a very loving family. We never wondered if we were loved as it was always apparent in both actions and words. Growing up, we were very close and still are. Don't get me wrong, we had our battles as any children do and were disciplined when needed. I do however believe that my siblings and I have inherited the same family values that our parents possessed and have tried to raise our families in the same manner as we were raised.
As mentioned previously, I like to write a poem for a special birthday or occasion. A few years ago, I wrote this poem for my brother's birthday. While visiting his home a while ago, I noticed that he had framed it and has it hanging in his dining room. I titled it..........
Our Family
When we were little and not very tall
Our lives were simple and troubles small
We played Scrabble, cards, and Monopoly too
And a game of Sorry, just to name a few
Mom made fudge and with Dad we played games
The crossword puzzle at night, every night was the same
We picked apples, crabapples, peaches, and pears
Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to share
In the winter months, down the hills we'd slide
In homemade toboggans and sleds to ride
In the summer months, we'd swim in the bay
Kick a ball in the park and run and play
We'd sing all the way while we'd ride in the car
And count the cows both near and far
All of the ditties of Dad's we would sing
The tongue twisters, the stories and the laughs they would bring
These are the times I like to recall
Our happy times when we were small
The days are gone, but fond memories remain
For times are now different but still the same
Our family's love for one another
Our Mom and Dad, two sisters, a brother