Tammi's World

Today

Today is my Adoption Birthday. Today I became one of the luckest people I know.

I've talked about my family on several occassions. They are a special group of people. I cannot express how blessed I feel to call them My Family.

I have lived my life knowing that I was loved. I have lived my life knowing that I can do anything and no matter what - it's ok. I have lived my life knowing that no matter how dark it gets, my family will always be there. Always.

Mama Vi is my best friend. It's hard right now, with everything going on. I miss her. Oh - sometimes I still see that warm loving woman who built her life around her family. I cling to those moments. I love those memories.

I couldn't have asked for a better Father. My only regret is that I didn't have him longer.

Dee is about the best sister you could ask for. Oh - we still have our "moments". But when the chips are down - she is EXACTLY who you want at your side.

I've been lucky in my extended family too. I have to tell you folks - I have the GREATEST Aunts and Uncles. Each with such a strong personality. Each so different. The common thread that runs through them all is that they are such strong, faithful people. They love the Lord, their family, Life. They have inspired me in more ways than I can say.

Growing up there were 5 of us cousins that always hung around together. Constantly. We were brought up more like sisters than cousins. I was the youngest. And the most gullible. Oh the stories I could tell y'all.

Anyway - there are a couple of the girls that I have only gotten closer to. Both are still living in Florida. Myra is one of the most tender hearted women I have ever known - with a goodness so deep throughout her that she glows. I miss her so much being up here again. While we didn't spend as much time together - at least when I was down there it FELT like it.

And then there is Sonia. The closest thing to a Big Sister I'll ever know. I cannot even begin to tell you how much she means to me. Without her these past few years I don't know WHAT would have happened. And oh.....you would like her. She's wacky and wild, nurturing and thoughtful. She knows me better than anyone. We have this thing, this little saying. I'll tell her I love her. She say's she loves me too. Then I remind her that she has to - she signed a contract when they "bought" me. Silly I know - but it makes us laugh every time.

And her family is my family. You might notice "Carmen" commenting here. That is my niece, Sonia's daughter. I am so proud of her. If I had a daughter I could only hope she would be like Carmen. Then there is Chris - Sonia's son. What a TRIP he is. He's got his Mama's soft heart. And sense of tradition. Oh - and he is such a good daddy. His son Junior is the light of our lives. His 2nd birthday is coming up and it just breaks my heart that I'm going to miss it.

My - I did get carried away - didn't I. But you see - I love my family. I KNOW how lucky I am. And today is my day to WALLOW in that knowledge. Today - is my Birthday. The one the really counts in my book.

Posted by Tammi at November 30, 2005 06:22 AM