Pop is Donovon’s father.  He asked me to call him Pop the first time Donovon introduced me to him.  I instantly felt like one of his daughters.

There is so much I admire about this man, it’s hard to know where to begin.  Pop served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter door gunner.  While there, he literally saved a soldier’s life by ripping out the passenger seat of the helicopter already full of wounded soldier’s to make room for one more.  This soldier had been shot nine times.  If Pop had not made room and pulled him in, the man would have surely died.  He saved his life and that soldier is still alive today.

As a father and grandfather, Pop is full of love, kindness, and devotion.  His heart is so big, his capacity for loving his ever-expanding family, whether of blood or not, is infinite.  I recall the morning that I arrived in Houston after Daddy took a turn for the absolute worst.  Pop was there and I fell into his arms in utter despair, and he held me up.  I felt that he felt my pain and wanted desperately to take it from me.

Pop is a hero in every sense of the word.  He is a man of honor and of deep love of God, family, and country.  I’m honored to be his daughter-in-law and am forever grateful that he’s My Pop.

Pop, I love you very much.

Today we celebrated Donovon’s cousin’s son’s (his 2nd cousin I suppose) 8th birthday at his swim party in Cedar Park. There was a lot of extended family there and I’m thankful for being able to spend time with them.

I find myself grateful for any time I get to spend with family. And I’m so blessed to have all of Donovon’s family in my life.

My Mom Judy is Donovon’s mother.  She is so much fun, very passionate, and so loving.  While Daddy was in the hospital, she showed up and gave me and my family support and love at a point when we needed it most.  It became so clear how much I need and appreciate her in my life.

We have a rich history and just as with My Mom and My Mom Julia, we’ve experienced both good times and sad times together.  That’s what family is – sticking together through thick and thin.  My Mom Judy is my family.  She is one of my three “moms” that I believe my biological mother sent to look after me, to share joy, to hold me up when I’m weak, to support me, and to love me like her own daughter.

I don’t think My Mom Judy knows how much I love and appreciate her.  So I hope this post will come close to expressing how much she means to me and how blessed I feel that she is my Mom.

Mom, although I don’t say it as often as I should, please know that you have held and will forever hold a very special place in my heart and in my thoughts.  I love you so much and am so thankful that you are my Mom.

I got to spend some time with my sister and My Little Princesses today, including My Newest Little Princess, Coralyse.  It amazes me how much they all fill me with joy.  I enjoy conversations with My Toot and all the personalities of my little nieces.  I’m grateful today for these precious moments and to have so much love and joy in my life.

I was 16 years old when my little brother, Christopher, was born.  I immediately fell in love.  He was such a delightful little blessing.  Crestina and I babied and spoiled him like nobody’s business.  He brought so much light to us after such a dark time.

Almost like a mother for her son, it’s been tough watching him grow up.  My Little Brother is now a young man.  It’s hard to believe at times as I so vividly remember this little character who lit up my life the moment he entered it.

I left home to move on with my own life when he was only two years old.  Today he turned 23.  I missed a large chunk of his childhood, but my love for him has been constant.  I’m so proud of the man he’s become.  And I’m so grateful to know him as an adult, to have become closer to him more than ever before, and most of all, that he’s My Little Brother.

I love you so much, Christopher.  I give thanks for you everyday.

I have been blessed with My Newest Little Princess, Coralyse Baylin Hardie, who was born today.  At 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long, this tiny little gem melts my heart.  To date, Coralyse has 3 big sisters and 7 big girl cousins who will undoubtedly smother her with love and attention.

I love being an aunt and My Newest Little Princess makes me proud Auntie Anna to niece number 7.  I’m so grateful for my healthy, happy, and beautiful Coralyse.

I think I was a little hesitant about my step-mom joining our family at first.  I can barely remember because whatever hesitancy or resistance I may have had quickly subsided as I came to know her and how happy she made my dad.  She became my “Mom”, and she filled a space in my heart that was desperately in need of maternal love.

Soon after they married, I felt a mutual respect we had for one and other, along with the respect she had for my mother.  She never attempted to take my mother’s place.  Instead, I felt I always had her love and support whenever I needed it.  Mom knew how rough I had it losing my mother, and I felt like she gave me my space, allowed me to go through all my teenaged angst, and understood me more than Daddy did at times.

Fast forward to 24 years later, after Daddy’s illness and passing – I find myself closer to my Mom than ever before.  We need each other now more than ever.  She is part of my connection to my father.  She is my only parent now.  And I know that I will continue to have her love and support, just as she has mine.

Mom, I love you so much.  And I’m so grateful that you are my Mom.

Today we went to Kemah and had lunch at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack.  We [Donovon, the girls, and me] and my Mom, met Donovon’s parents [Pop and Mom Julia], sister Cortney and her kids, Carson and Caroline there.

If you haven’t been, the food there is ridiculously good – best seafood gumbo for miles and miles.  If you have been, well then, you just know.  Anyway, it was such a fun afternoon, and to be surrounded by so much family just made me feel so loved.  I’m so grateful that we could all get together and share memories, good times, and of course….good food. 🙂

Although I lost my mother at a very young age, I have been blessed with three “moms” who have all found a place in my heart and have filled the loss with their unconditional love and support.

My Mom Julia is Donovon’s step-mom.  As soon as Donovon and I started dating, she welcomed me into her family with open arms and has never let go.  Since I joined their family, throughout every triumph, joy, challenge, and pain in my life, Mom has been there.  She has fervently given her love, encouragement, and friendship.

My heart ached for her when she suffered the loss of her son, Kyle, and again years later when she lost her Daddy.  Today she was there for me.  She ached for me as I shared my pain over missing my Daddy so much.  I could not be more thankful for my Mom today.

I love you, Mom, and I’m so grateful you are a part of my life.