So grateful for friends who are like family

Yesterday I worked at the girls' soccer game (I'll write another post later about that and our weekend).  There is a farming family in town where I know (and adore) the older grandkids from my subbing days, and I've been able to know one of the moms/sisters.  There are four sisters (and another that passed away many years ago, before having children).  The grandmother arrived for the game, and I didn't realize another grandchild had entered high school.   All together, there were twelve members of this young lady's family there to watch her play her first high school soccer game.  As I realized this, I began to cry.

I know that sounds a little crazy, but it's been an emotional week.  The oldest son of one of my cousin's moved to OSU this week, and my sister made a really big deal about it.  I get that, except that my son, my sister's nephew, also moved to college this week, and not only did my sister NOT make a big deal about it, but she wouldn't even join us for dinner last weekend...and we drove to Dayton so she didn't have to come down here!  I always wanted the family like they have on "Modern Family", where there are big family meals and big extended families at the events.  I knew it probably wouldn't happen when moved here, but I always made an effort to attend things for my cousins kids.  Not just athletic events, but plays, and birthday parties.  No one ever saw my kids in the pool, no one ever saw my kids in any high school band event.  It breaks my heart that my kids had no one at their senior nights.  I pray that as we go forward, our family as it is can remain strongly connected.

That is also why I am so incredibly grateful for friends who are family.  There are so many who have made sure my kids felt special.  I'm so grateful for the friends who are able to be there for the big events, and even the not-so-big events.  I'm grateful for the friends who want to create holiday traditions, and who treat us like family.  I'm so, so grateful, and I'm remembering to count our blessings.