My day in Heaven

Yesterday was a special day for me as I had all my grandchildren together, under one roof and in one backyard playing together like loving kids and cousins. This doesn't happen often but when it does my heart swells. When families are developed and I having sons, watch them grow and marry and have kids, something changes in the dynamic. There are other people on board-daughter-in-laws. And I have been blessed with two very special ones. They love their kids, my sons and family. But having not birthed them they come into a mix that was long ago developed between me and my sons. The dynamics change and I have always felt it was my responsibility to make sure everyone got along and played nicely in the sandbox of family. Again, I have been blessed that 98%of the time it works just as I want it, but 2% we struggle like every family with strong personalities and trying to please. Also, as a mom who wants everything to go smoothly always, it doesn't always happen. I have tried over the years various techniques some far more successful than others. I have learned the best one but not always so easy to practice-keeping quiet and still and letting things evolve organically. But sometimes my anxiety shows and that is not always the way it works. The great thing with strong personalities is we all speak our peace sometimes observers would say "forcefully and loudly" but in the end we get it out, cry, laugh, apologize and sympathize and move on. I think the kids see we can discuss, argue, disagree but always come back to loving. My little piece of heaven comes when it comes and I soak it in to return to the memories day after day. Thankfully, I have photos to remind me of those little bits of heaven here on earth. Happy New Year 2012 and I am ready for you.