Don't Let Grandma Play With My Gun!

Today's post will be all about those wonderful people that I call family. I figure that you need to know who I have grown up with, lived with, and gone through ups and downs with during most of my life to fully appreciate some of the posts that are sure to show up later.

Parents

My parents have been married for more than thirty years, which says a lot about them in itself. They are both hard-working, funny, smart, and overall great people. Daddy made sure that I knew right from wrong, and always did the right thing. Momma made sure that I was my own person, and able to take care of myself. They both wanted me to be able to think for myself and take care of myself in any situation, so I blame them for my stubbornness and independence. They are my support, and I know that I can count on them no matter what I'm going through in life.

"Momma tried to raise a lady, but Daddy won. He raised a lady that doesn't take crap from anyone!" 

 

Sister

Whether she knows it or not, I've always looked up to my sister. She is four years older than I am, beautiful, smart, witty and brave. She has always encouraged me to get out into the world and experience life, instead of simply being a wall-flower and watching life pass by. She is always armed with bravado, wit, and a sense of who she is. I've watched her bluff her way out of uncomfortable situations and end the day with everyone involved mesmerized with her. I honestly envy her no-fear attitude and wish I could be more like her. 

Brother 

There for a long time, my brother (who is five years younger than me) was my best friend. My only friend.  He believes in me when it feels as if no one else cares. When I feel like a failure, I can go home and hug him, and know that someone honestly believes that I am a good person. Like my sister, he has that quick wit that can get them into trouble, but he manages to make people laugh at themselves, and is never at a loss for words. While he is bigger than me now, I still think of him as my baby brother, and would do anything for him. 

Mama 

I have the cutest, sweetest, funniest, and smartest Mama ever. There is no competition. I know that she loves me unconditionally, and will support my decisions in life even if she doesn't exactly agree with them. I admire the way she has lived her life and managed her home. She raised three children under not-always-the-easiest circumstances, and has more common sense than anyone I know. We can have a good time just playing Scrabble, or by jumping up and down and scaring the birds and then laughing at ourselves. She is a magnificent woman and I love her with all my heart.

"I'm a hip old granny who can hip-hop, bebop, dance til you drop and yo yo, make a wicked cup of cocoa!"

Of course, I have other family members, but these are the five that I am closest to and who have had the greatest impact on my life. I love all of them, and know that I would have a hard time without each of them in my life.