Relationship Reflection
Relationships have always been the cornerstone of my life. I love and depend on my family, friends, and even co-workers to enrich my life. I need to have people I trust to share my day to day life.
I lost my mom in 1995 and my dad this past November. I was devastated to lose the two people who taught me all the things a parent shares with their child to help send them out into the world. We did not always have a perfect relationship, but we overcame the negative. I am grateful for having had the time I did with them.
I have three siblings; two younger brothers and a younger sister. Shortly after my mom passed away several events occurred which caused us to drift apart. Trust, reliability and anger drove us apart and we did not reconnect until 2001. I am glad to have them back in my life, and we are trying to keep the lines of communication open.
The greatest love and joy in my life are my children and grandchildren. My daughter Carrie and her husband have four beautiful children, Amanda-23 (step- granddaughter) who is expecting her second daughter in early March. There is DJ-17, Madison-8, and the youngest Parker who is 4. I had trust issues with my son-in-law which caused my daughter great pain. It took me a long time to work through them and now we have a decent relationship.
My son Steve and his wife Emily have Lilly and are expecting their second child in June. When he was younger, I had a better relationship when my son than I did my daughter. I find myself at a loss because our relationship feels strained. I feel I am annoying him if I call. I need to work on making things better.
I feel that to keep a relationship/partnership strong and positive, a person must deal with inner issues before they attempt to build any more. Trust issues need to be worked on as well as learning and practicing clear, honest communication. Families seem to fall apart because they cannot or refuse to communicate. This is a sad situation because you never know when you will see or talk to that person again.
I have learned the hard way that making snap, harsh judgements leads to failed relationships. My seemingly lack of respect for a friend's feelings cost me that long term relationship. The two factors of communication and respect for the families and children we work with on a daily basis are factors which need to be top priority.
My kids, grandkids and myself!
