Object of my Gratitude #2 - Family

I am blessed to have been raised by two loving parents, along with five amazing sisters and one wonderful brother. Growing up in such a large family, one might expect for things to get a little crazy - but I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything. I learned so much from my family members...I can honestly say I wouldn't be the person I am today if I wasn't born into the Leach family.

My father set a diligent example of hard-work and determination. I didn't always see eye-to-eye with him, but he didn't give up hope in me and he continued to love and support me despite my mistakes. My mother set an example of humility and quiet devotion - things I didn't realize the importance of until I became a mother myself. She did not expect recognition for the many sacrifices she made, and she so often put the needs of her children and others ahead of her own. My mother is a woman of faith, honor, patience, and virtue - things I hope to be able to exemplify to my children.

From my siblings I learned that it is much more fun to laugh and be silly than get upset and argue. Sure, we had our moments of disagreement, but we learned to work through those moments and come out stronger together in the end. I am grateful that no matter what difficulties I have had to face in my life, I always had someone I could confide in, who could relate to what I was experiencing, or who could at least offer a loving shoulder to cry on. From my siblings, I learned how to take care of others and how to let others take care of me...despite our shared tendencies toward stubbornness and independence. I learned that it is possible to overcome disagreements, that everyone makes mistakes, and that we all have our individual struggles. I am thankful for the examples of strength and wisdom and happiness my brother and sisters have set for me.

I am also grateful for the families I have inherited through marriage - not only my marriage into the Hoopes family, but also through the marriages of my siblings. I am thankful for the relationships I have been able to develop, and for all the family members who have accepted me as one of their own. I'm grateful for the grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews who are accepting, encouraging, and loving, regardless of the time between visits or the many changes in our lives. One of the best things about family is that, no matter what, you're still family.

Family is such a wonderful blessing...a blessing that I am extremely grateful for.