"Remember when you believed in magic?"

This little sentence holds so many reflections. Do you remember when you last believed in magic? Do you remember believing in super heros, and the "happily ever afters?" Do you remember a time when you weren't cynical, negative, and uptight? Do you remember believing in fairy tales, magic, and always found something positive in your days?

This seems like a crazy post to me. I haven't believed in "magic" for years. I'm talking so many years ago, I was a child. I gave up on fairy tales and the happily ever afters when my parents divorced. I was 11 years old. Now, I have 2 amazing kids that remind me on a daily basis what magic is all about. Even after becoming a cynical adult, I can look into the faces of my kids and see the magic again. I just see the magic differently than I did as a child.

Tonight, I sat here watching one of those fairy tales with my daughter. I remembered so quickly how much I loved that particular show. It reminded me how even when things aren't what you planned, you can find the magic in every situation if you are willing to look. While I always dreamed of finding my prince charming, having a beautiful life, and "living happily ever after," you never know just how that happily ever after will turn out.

I found myself watching the movie with a more attentive eye than I had ever done. Of course, ever fairy tale has the princess, the prince charming, the villain, and the story comes together at the end with a happily ever after. This particular movie was probably my favorite one, and I have seen the stage performance as well. It's one that I'm sure every little girl and many big girls have watched. The beautiful peasant girl, the overly cocky man hell bent on getting her attention, the "prince charming" from a whole other realm, the battle for the girl, and in the end prince charming wins. This show, however, not only is the girl plain, but also smart, and pretty. She's not a blonde, but instead has beautiful brown hair. She's not showy, but will stand up for herself and her family. The show, Beauty and the Beast.

While I find myself looking into the show more, being older, I can't help but find how much I still love this particular fairy tale. I love that the ego boosted male doesn't get the girl, I love that her devotion to her father is unbreakable, I love that while she is not exceptionally beautiful she is smart and pretty in a classical kind of way. I love that she finds love within a "beast," that even he didn't know existed.

While having been sick for the past few days, I find that Mom's just don't get sick days. But even without the perfect fairy tale life, you can find happiness, beauty, and friendship within so many areas that you can find the magic again. You just have to want it and be willing to look for it.

Over the years, I have learned that having a friendship is all that you need. Friendships are long lasting, trusted, grow in strength, and even sometimes are built from broken relationships. I have also learned that some of the best relationships won't last without a friendship, and most broken relationships happen because of a broken friendship. While I value my friendships, and treat them with as much respect as possible, I'm learning that not everyone thinks that way.

I find that every time I believe in magic, that so many good things are possible....something tries to shake that. I am a highly determined person, and I will always have some faith in "magic," even if I have to make changes to find the magic again. So, as I get ready to retire for the night I will leave you with this: What does magic mean to you? Is magic/fairy tales something that means perfection to you? Does it mean happily ever after without any issues? To me, happily ever after means: You be the person you are, not one you pretend to be. It means you will have struggles, fights, and many issues before you are able to find your happily ever after. It means being determined, and hell bent to make a good life for yourself. It means finding your true friends, and being loyal to them. It means even when life throws you curve balls, you take them in stride, learn from lessons along the way, and even when things aren't perfect...you make the best of it.

To your happily ever after......
~Sal~

Blank Book-Changes....

As someone who thrives on following through with completion of my goals, I get very angry with myself when I don't meet those goals. I am my own worst critic and berate myself when a goal fails. I am fighting this today. As I said in my changes post, I plan to quit smoking. While I know many people who have quit successfully after just one try, I am not one of them. I have quit many times, but it has never lasted. I broke down yesterday afternoon, and just gave in. I know, for me this will be an on-going battle for a little while. If I have something to keep me occupied, it isn't so bad not smoking. It's when my mind and/or hands are idle that I have the most troubles. So while, I failed miserably at the cold turkey route, I am not going to allow myself to believe that I can't do it. I know it's an emotional as well as a mental and physical battle that I have to conquer to finally quit for good. I will do it, it's just not happening over night...as I wish I was capable of doing.

I need organization to feel like I have a handle on life. After a year and a half in our home, I still don't have that organization. It's taking a lot more time than I had planned on. Once again, it's not something I will allow myself to berate myself over, but it's a goal I need to meet for my own frame of mind. I really need some mental clarity time to reevaluate the best way to accomplish this goal. With the constant chaos, and issue after issue the past year, it's made me lose my footing even more.

I will accomplish my goals, it's just taking longer the older I get. I'm finding my ability to adapt to change is getting worse, so it takes me a lot longer to accept the changes, and adjust accordingly. I sure hope my determination holds out. Stay tuned!

My blank book is about to see some changes...

I teach people everyday that if you are unhappy, or your life isn't what you want it, there is no one to blame but yourself. I have preached this to my children, my family, my friends and even several clients. This week, I have found myself in a difficult mental pattern. Those patterns of anxiety, sentimental, not happy but not miserable either, and getting restless. I'm sure the horrible weather patterns this Winter have not helped, but this is a pattern that I'm finding happens more the older I get.

When I am teaching, I always preach that you have to like and be comfortable with the person who is starring back from the mirror. That you need to love yourself and accept yourself for who you are...both inside and out. I teach that you have to be able to find happiness within yourself before you'll ever be happy being with anyone else. That accepting less than you deserve is not right for you, and makes you feel like less of a person. The basic teachings of treating others the way you want to be treated, and not letting anyone walk on you or treat you like a door mat.

Unfortunately, I have not taken my own advice nor have I liked the person that stares back from my mirror....for a long time. I have a good life, I can not dispute that. However, there always seems to be something missing. That something, is me. While I usually speak my mind, I do tend to hold more back lately than ever before. I find myself lost. My life has become a full focus on my kids, keeping my marriage running smoothly, not ruffling any feathers I can avoid, and keeping my own needs buried to keep everyone else's lives running smoothly.

I once heard a quote, "you can only make so many withdrawls before your account is negative." Without the additions on occasion, your account drains and becomes empty pretty quick. That is how I have been feeling. I feel like I have given so much, taken on so much, and made everyone else's lives easier, while making my own life miserable. I encourage my husband to go out with friends, or to go do something he enjoys. He can do so without the kids, and without worrying because he knows everything will get done and be taken care of. I can't even take a shower without wondering if he will stay awake with the kids, or be asleep again when I come out.

I don't take off to spend time with friends, heck, I don't even take off to make a trip North to see my family. I stay here at our farm 24/7. It's easier than getting the third degree when I get home, or someone attempting to start something. I have been invited to meet friends both here and back in my home town. I would love to go! However, the budget is always spent before I have a chance to do anything for myself. I don't require or ask for much. I don't need much. I am not a high maintenance type of person. I simply want a simple life. I hate drama and constant complaining. I try to keep any frustrations or problems to myself but occasionally I need someone that will not judge me when I say whatever I might be feeling at the time. I need some adult time, without little ears and opinions. I love being at home, but a night out once in awhile with just adults, music, a drink or two, and lots of laughter are a small price for all the time I spend at home.

I constantly am on the go. My days start early and end late. Between meals, laundry, dishes, cleaning, school work, business, chores, and clients; adding anything else seems impossible. While I have no doubt that I can do anything I put my mind to, it's these transition times that I feel overwhelmed and need some major down time. While I try to be supportive, up-beat and positive for everyone else; I don't feel that same way within myself. More times than not I am starting to feel more passive with my situation. Accepting that somethings will change for a short period, but they never stay that way. Accepting that while I do not wish to change anyone, I would like to be appreciated and not taken for granted...but not having the guts to say so. That while I know in my heart that the respect, love and care I deserve is not what I am getting - it's easier not to ripple the waters. As much as I love my life, and wouldn't change the way we live...I would change the disrespect that I feel daily.

So, as you all as my witness and support team, it's time for the winds of change to blow. I am making changes within myself, for myself. It's time for me to take my own advice and step up to the plate! It's time for me to start liking myself again, and stop avoiding the mirrors in my house. The physical changes I can make, will be made. The mental changes will be made, and the spiritual side of my life will once again be attuned to the universe. While these changes can not be made over night, they will gradually all mend into place.

I am going to need the support as I make changes within myself that will undoubtedly cause rippled waters at home. For a little more than 4 years, I have not made the time nor the effort to exercise. I mean nothing more than chasing after the kids. I have smoked more in 4 years than I ever did, and I have neglected my body for just as long. My pregnancy with my daughter caught me off-guard, and I have not been able to find my feet since. In my eyes, it's time for me to start using the excuses as a driving force instead of a crutch. It's time to start exercising, stop smoking, and find my own stability again. In doing so, I hope to have family and friends support. If not, I will be doing it anyway. I have to. I do not like the person I have become, and I do not like the direction I am going. I am going to have to start making time for me. Being a Mom is a dream come true, but even the best Mom's need time to recharge. It's time to re-organize my life so that I will be of use to those who need me.

Bear with me as I take this journey. I have always turned to writing as an outlet, and this will be no different. Feel free to follow my journey as I change the pages of my 365 page, blank book.

~Salli~

Accepting

Accept - By definition:

1a : to receive willingly
b: to be able or designed to take or hold (something applied or added)
2: to give admittance or approval to
3a : to endure without protest or reaction
b : to regard as proper, normal, or inevitable
c : to recognize as true : believe
4a: to make a favorable response to
b: to agree to undertake (a responsibility)
5: to assume an obligation to pay; also : to take in payment
6: to receive (a legislative report) officially


Accepting who you are, and what you are capable of; can be a little overwhelming. As someone who is a giver by nature, accepting is a great challenge. While you try to give freely, sometimes you are taken for granted.

Some days, my greatest challenges are accepting that I can not do everything and I can not help everyone. While my personality has evolved over the years from only worrying about myself, to worrying about my family, and has come to a concern for family, friends and our community. I try to help in any way possible, and many times it comes back to bite me. I am continually expanding my knowledge so that I may help as many as possible.

One of the biggest lessons I am still learning: I can not help those not willing to help themselves. I can talk until I am blue in the face, but if the other party isn't actually hearing what you are telling them...you are wasting your breath! This is a difficult concept for me. After many experiences with this, it still frustrates me and causes me grief. While I still try to get through to some, I am learning that some are just too thick headed to hear the things they don't want to hear.

As we have finally gotten to Spring, a time for new beginnings, I am striving for new beginnings within myself. I am beginning another evolution within myself. My evolution of caring will not ever change, but my willingness to accept that I can not help everyone and that I can not do everything myself, is a goal I am setting. I have to understand that not everyone can be helped, not because they can't but because they won't allow themselves. I must also accept that while I am a firm believer that I can do anything I set my mind to do...I have to accept that it's ok to ask for help. This last acceptance is one of the hardest for me.

While I evolve, and set new goals, I hope that everyone reading this will do the same.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, rebirth, and awakening. It's a great time to restart, awake the possibilities within yourself and emerge from your slumber.

Happy Spring!
~S~

Natural Health - Part 3 - Understanding your diet

Now that you have learned your eating your habits, how your food affects you, and learned more about your food in general. We read every label of every single thing we buy. It the ingredient list is super long, or has too many things we don't know what they are...we don't buy it. We don't drink diet sodas because of the Aspartame. It was created to be a pesticide, the the pests won't even eat, but the FDA approved it for human consumption. While I personally believe that organic is absolute best food to eat, I know that many focus on price instead of quality. I am not saying the going to a store and purchasing organic food is the best or right choice, I am saying if you must make purchases at a big grocery store, do so wisely.

I am a firm believer in growing/raising your own foods, if possible. It is a lot of work, and takes plenty of diligence, but it is so much better for you. Not to mention tastes so much better. If you don't have the room to raise a garden, or livestock, find a local farmer or farmers market. I know many states that now have farming cooperatives. Where they offer a share of the animal or garden for a price. This would work well for those living in cities, towns, or apartments...even those who haven't yet developed a "green thumb."

While learning about your diet, you should have also noted the way you felt while eating certain foods. While each person has their own body type and diet type, one thing you can be guaranteed is that no matter what your ailment is, most can be fixed with a simple shift in your diet.

The obvious argument here, is that doctors tell you that medication is the fix-all for every symptom. Even as recently as today, I was reading about a dietician that claimed that meat bones used to make broth, were bad for you. So, from a naturalist point-of-view, here are my views.

If you know where your food comes from, you can choose to have meat raised without antibiotics, and growth hormones. You can have the option of grass-fed or conventionally fed meats. If you raise/grow/coop your vegetables, you will know what goes into them. You can choose those who don't use chemicals or GMO's or the conventional method. It allows you to have control over what you feed your family.

The next thing you need to understand is how bleached foods are harmful. A rule of thumb, if it's white...it's bleached. Sugar, flour, rice, etc. These are items that most use on a regular basis. This is also why there are so many allergies and gluten sensitivities today. Make a conscientious shift to using unbleached flour, raw sugar, unbleached rice, etc. and take note of how different you feel. Just like those who haven given up soda, find that they actually go through a "withdrawl period," white foods are not any different. You may not have any symptoms, but you may find you have a headache, some irritability, a craving, or any number of other side effects. This is your body's way of eliminating the toxins you have filled it with.

Making just a few small changes will get you started onto a healthier path. While I recommend talking to a holistic doctor, or a dietician that has knowledge in natural health, most of this you can learn for yourself with a little research, a dedication to making yourself healthy, and a desire to overcome what medicine is unable to accomplish.

~S~

Budget wise - from a 12 yr old perspective.

With all the talk of the economy, debts, and how to fix finances...it had me considering the best route to not only keep our family/farm finances in order, but how to teach my kids to budget. We have a few years before our oldest has to worry about college, and a lot of years yet for the youngest, but I know our budget has taken a huge hit for 10 years and still has 10 years to go on my husbands student loan. This is an area that I really am concerned for my children. College has become a requirement to get any type of decent job, not to mention a specialized one.

From our own budget, student loan payments amount to $200 monthly. While that may seem minimal, $200 monthly($2400 annually) is gone from our budget. I don't want my children to be burdened with a $24,000 debt to start their lives. So, we began looking for less expensive, and more cost friendly options. We however, were enlighted with our son's response to his budget assignment for school work. He has decided he will find an accredited online school, where he can get the education he will require, still be able to hold down some sort of job, and pay for the education as he goes. He also said it would be more effective, financially, for him to stay living at home and help with the budget here. His thought is that by saving money on school, and not "paying rent" he can save money so he will never have to actually rent some place and that the money he pays will be investing in his future. While I am a firm believer in teaching my children how to be money wise, he taught me a few lessons on the thinking of his generation(or at least him!). His logic was this: why pay rent when the landlord will be pocketing the money and you still have to save money if you're going to ever own anything. When there is no reason to move out of home, still get a higher education, work and save most of that money to own something of your own. Then any money you put into that place is just bettering yourself and your finances. I can not and will not knock his thought process because it makes perfect sense. While he really hasn't decided on a career path, he knows he wants to stay on our farm and do something with it. He does not want to be stuck in a job that he hates, and he wants to work for himself. For this Mom, it makes me proud! It makes me feel like I have given him the true American dream. The dream of innovation, simplicity, and honestly...the dream itself!

While I can only guess the path our youngest will take, I hope she takes the same path.

So, with our son's logic, here are some ideas on wise budgeting and frugal living:

1.) Instead of attending a highly expensive college, find an accredited online school that will allow you to pay as you go.
2.) Live at home as long as you can.
3.) While living at home and attending online classes, help with finances around your home(offering so much every month.)
4.) While living at home, save a portion of income to pay cash for a vehicle and a home.
5.) You do not have to have the best of anything, you just have to have what you need...there's time later to get better.
6.) Don't be stupid. Learn to budget, save and set goals.


While these are his plans, and theory, I will not disagree with him. He makes very logical points that apply to even those of us that grew up in the 70's & 80's!

I am a proud Mom, who believes that my teachings are preparing our kids for real life. I don't know how many kids today know anything about budgeting, let alone 12 year olds, but our oldest does!!

Until next time,
~Salli~

This is me....

I am such an opinionated person, and honestly...it's caused me a lot of grief. This however, will not change who I am, and what I think! In the grand scheme of things, it would probably have saved me a lot of arguments if I kept my mouth shut...but I would also be neglecting my own thoughts, opinions, morals and values. While I grew up quick as a child, I learned early on that whenever your opinion differs from others you are labeled either a trouble maker, or an extremist. In later years, I have been labeled everything from weird, to being too opinionated to being a hippy. All I can say, is this:

I am a wife, a home schooling, stay-at-home-mom, I have a home business, I believe in my Constitutional rights, I believe the Bill of Rights, I believe it is my right to keep and bear arms, I believe it is my right to voice my opinion, I believe it is my right to live my life as I deem right(without harming others), I believe it is my right to raise my children as I see fit, I believe it is my right to decide the best health care options for my family, I believe it is my right to know what is put in my food and to be able to make educated decisions on whether to eat it or not, I believe that it not my place to judge anyone by their choices, I believe that everyone is entitled to live their lives how and with whom they chose(without harming anyone) and without being judged by others. I believe that I am a woman, NOT a victim. I may be made on a smaller scale than male counterparts, but I am only limited by my own beliefs. I do not believe I am entitled or feel resentful if someone makes more money or has more success than I do. I believe jealousy is a waste of time and energy, and stems from insecurity. I do not classify myself - politics, religion, or class. I am a United States citizen of Irish, Native American, German and English descent. I believe in a higher power of creation, I am not concerned with the continual battle of God versus evolution. I am more concerned with being available to help family, friends and neighbors than I am with helping people I do not know. I am a firm believer in living a minimalistic life and not competing with anyone. I can be comfortable in heals and a evening dress or suit, just as I can be comfortable in jeans, work boots, and thigh high in manure. I love my organic style gardens, I love herbal remedies and natural health, I love spending time with our animals, and my life revolves around my husband and my kids. I stay current on politics and current news, I only half believe what the media reports, and always research/educate myself on anything that comes into our lives. I believe that government has overstepped it's intention and that too many have become dependent on government handouts. I believe it's a sad day when jealously, envy and lack of work ethic become cause to take "from the rich and give to the poor." While I also believe that when it comes to taxes, everyone should pay their fair share...although taxes were not intent to be permanent. I believe if I go out and spend too much, take out too many loans, or rack up credit card debt...that is my own fault. Not something that requires a law, or an over sight panel, or even constitutes government intervention. I believe that while college is necessary for specialized careers, college should not be a requirement to get a job, nor should it cost more to get than a new home. I believe that the intervention by government into our health care is atrocious! It wasn't enough to have non-medical degree pencil pushers telling policy holders what would and would not be covered under their plans...Those are between doctor and patient. Just as privacy is continually being taken from the hands of Americans citizens, now health care has become a requirement and not something you got if you could afford it. I personally will still not carry actual health insurance, but instead opt for a health care discount plan and save our family thousands of dollars every year. Especially since they won't cover natural health anyway! I am a firm believer that anyone, can accomplish anything if they are willing to work for it, and be willing to put in the effort. I believe we are only limited in our potential by those we associate with, and the limits we place on ourselves.

While this is just a brief summary of who I am, I think this gives an accurate description of what I stand for! I am not Democrat, I am not Republican, I am not rich, nor am I poor, I make my own decisions and don't blindly follow the masses. I am an American, the grand-daughter/daughter of veterans - who so believed in their country and her Constitution, that they chose to fight for her and for our rights. I am a descendant of those native to America, whose red skin has been abused, neglected, and taken for granted for hundreds of years; not to mention 3 fiery tempered heritages. I do not feel that I have been wronged and expect everyone to pay for the radical/racist moves of people hundreds of years ago. I do however expect people to grow up, let go of a past you can not change and start today, treating each other with respect. I do not associate with people that only bring negativity, I do not tolerate disrespect of my family or I, and I will argue my point until it is heard. I am not afraid to stand on my own two feet, even if it means standing alone, nor am I afraid to defend myself by whatever means are necessary. I am capable of doing/being ANYTHING I choose...and no one will tell me any different. I am capable of taking care of myself, if necessary and am not afraid of being alone. I do not believe that my circumstances dictate the path I choose. I believe in treating others as they treat me.



This is me. Good, bad, or otherwise...this is who I am. This is what I stand for. This is what I believe and what my values are. For those new to my blog, and who think they know me...this is me. Whether you agree with me in whole or part, I expect my beliefs to be respected and I will respect yours, even if I don't agree with them.

Hoping you can define who you are, what your beliefs are, and what your values are. Our grand creator is the only true judge of the life you live. It's up to you to live a life of intent.

~Sal~

My Blank Book - Chapter 2(February)

As February came in with many questions, it will prove to be a long month!

Feb. 6th - On the 4th, R's brother was deployed, again, to Afghanistan. I can only imagine how this is affecting his daughter. I would not want to have to explain a 1 year deployment to a 3 year old, who is 100% Daddy's girl. The same day, we found out that R's grandfather has colon cancer. After many months of hospital visits and health decreases, now it's cancer. Although I would love to do so much, I am limited with a 4 year old. Our 12 year old, has taken on so much responsibility over the past year. In addition to his daily chores, he checks on his grandmother daily and has spent a lot of time with R's grandparents. Some of the time has been for fun, while some has been to help out with younger legs. I am a very proud Mom! With so much illness in R's family over the past year, it has required both R and J to step up. Both have daily conversations about the health of family, their well being, and all though I am family...I keep my opinions to myself to avoid any backlash. I voice my concerns to R, and he takes it from there.

I keep our household running as smoothly as possible. However, many times I feel like I am raising 3 kids. The oldest(R) requires different attention, and continual lessons in empathy. J has such a large heart that I have to remind him he can't save/help everyone. Then there is the youngest. Very determined, strong-willed,short tempered and independent. Doesn't matter what you tell her, she is going to do what she wants, when she wants, and how she wants to do it. She is the type of child every parent wishes on their kids, when they are younger.(I hope you have kids just like you one day!)

Feb. 12th - What can I say today? I have terrible Spring Fever! I am itching to get in my gardens, and get the front of our house looking pretty. I am anxious to get gravel in the driveway so we can get in and out. I am anxious to have windows open, and the fresh breeze of renewed energy blowing all around me. Valentine's Day is just a couple days away, and it's a holiday that we just don't do much. I don't like all these Hallmark holidays! I am a firm believer in showing your affections and appreciations everyday and a single day of flowers/meals/chocolates, seems to be a waste of time. I'm not a typical girlie girl, so it just doesn't do much for me. When we were first dating and even first married, I would get flowers every so often for no other reason than just a token of affection. Now, I'd rather grow my own, so I have my favorites. Plus, I can grow a 14 X 3' bed of flowers for the cost of 6 from a flower shop. I don't like to eat out much, I prefer my own food. I am not a big fan of chocolates either. It was 14 years ago, TODAY, that R actually "proposed" to me. That means our wedding anniversary of 14 years, will be in June. I can't believe it's been so many years, nor the fact that we actually made it through to this point. After everything we have been through, we are still together and stronger than ever. I'm not going to say that things are perfect or always good even. We've had our share of ups, downs, bends, road blocks, and had every reason imaginable to throw in the towel. We still have moments that I think, we both would rather do so, but we've always stuck through it and battled to keep us together. Is our life perfect and free from issues, heavens no! We spend much more time talking, and exploring compromises to make sure we are both moving forward. We try very hard to avoid confrontations with each other, and even when they do arise, we work through them the best we can.

Feb. 19th - What a roller coaster of weather we've had! We've had 60 degrees, we've had thunderstorms, we've had freezing rain, and snow. Welcome to the weather patterns in Northern Missouri! Spring fever is in full swing in our house. We are itching to get outdoors and work on some much needed and a few wanted projects. We have measured off property lines, measured the front of the house for my court yard, decided on placement of trees and the orchard, decided on the placement of my wild garden, decided on the actual driveway and how to get the rock in here and keep it here. We have a lot of work to do this Spring/Summer/Fall. We know we have a lot of upgrade to do on the house, but there's only so much time and money to go around. Since today is windy(30mph), cold and just outright blah....it will be a day of housework.

Feb. 27th - Another day of reflection for me. We've had 2 snowstorms in the past week, and our little hayfield is beautiful! We have family that has gotten very ill and has given us many scares over the past week. We are keeping our lives going as we must, but some days it's a little overwhelming with everything that is going on. I try to stay positive and find something to learn from, in each experience, but it's a bit much sometimes. We are coming up on Miss C's 4th birthday and trying to decide what to do. We know that with the family health issues some family won't be able to be here if we keep the birthday party set as is, yet I worry that if we do try to change it, it will keep being pushed off until it isn't able to happen because of the health issues. I am not certain of what to do, but there have been enough changes in her life that I don't want to upset her any more by not having her party. I don't know what to do. I am struggling with this. As much as I want everyone possible here for her, I just don't know how to handle this! I guess I need to reflect and pray that something positive happens!

February 28th - As we hear about the slow fading of my husbands grandfather, it breaks our hearts. We pray for peace, comfort, guidance and healing for all our family. This month closes on a sad note, but it is another lesson in the paths all our live will eventually go. It's a reminder to spend every moment possible with family, love unconditionally, and cherish every bit of time you have with family.