defining family.

Recently, I have been put in a position of having to define what family truly is and what kind of mother I will choose to be.

I'm a single mom. Just because I'm a single parent, does not mean that my family is any less complete than some one else's. I have struggled with this. It has taken me a little over two years to fully embrace this wonderful, fun, adventurous life God has granted me. I have now gained a sense of privilege. Not only do I get to be a mother, which has been the biggest blessing of my life, but I get to be a provider, a protector, an encourager, and a guider.

I have been blessed by Lakai. But our family does not stop there. I have the most glorious parents a woman could have. My siblings bring laugher to my parent's home. Our family has extended to friends, who have relentlessly  supported Lakai and me. Whenever we are blessed with the opportunity to visit our family from far away, it is like there is no distance between us. Life picks right back up where we left it months before with laughter and joy and pure bliss. Lakai has found the most amazing friend in our cousin, Styker. I pray that they will be able to grow up together, and their innocent friendship continues in the years to come. We are blessed.

Recently my grandma sent me the most thoughtful and meaningful letter in the mail. Attached to her card was a handout from the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. If you are not familiar with this amazing organization I encourage you to get to know them. I hold this wonderful refuge and safe home for children close to my heart, and was involved in fund raising when I was younger. I'm not sure my grandma even knew this, but the handout she sent spoke to me.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." 

-Angela Schwindt

These words were beautifully quote on the sheet of paper. As I reflected on those words, I realized that Lakai has truly made my life complete. He makes life worth living. His tender spirit fills our home with laughter and innocence. He is absolutely, without a doubt, the light of my life. He makes me strive to be a better mother, daughter and friend. Lakai completes my family. I'm grateful every day that God trusted me to be his mother.