“In the beginning…pt. 2”

Can I be very serious for a moment? Always appreciate what you have because you will never know when it will be taken away from you. One of my favorite sayings is “Carpe Diem,” which means “seize the day.” We aren’t promised tomorrow. 

★ Want to get a bit personal, but even if I do have real friends (and some I call best friends), my true #1 best friend always will be my only sibling, my younger brother Eric. Even if he lives in Texas now with my sister-in-law, niece, and 3 nephews I will always have his back no matter what. 

I remember as a kid, before my brother was around, always wanting a brother. I always begged my parents, I remember, on wanting one. When he finally arrived I was ecstatic.  I remember at 5 years old sitting in his baby crib holding him. I was always very highly protective of him too, even if I do admit later as we grew I acted like an ass towards him—taking out things on him I shouldn’t since I practically had to raise him due to things going on at home, and in all honesty I regret how I treated him at times and wish I could rewind time to erase them. I did my best to teach him right from wrong and at least feel accomplished that I led him down the right path. I think he knows how proud I am of him for the man and father he has become. 

☆ The next closest for family are most of my cousins. Me, my brother, and cousins Jen, Ursula, Eva, Pete, Joanna, Johnny, Bryan, Paul, and Kelly I feel are the closest of all my cousins. My other cousins I didn’t mention live in Texas and have been there long before my brother moved up there, and I only got to have time with them when we were just kids. Growing up we all were like one big bunch of siblings having fun and getting into mischief. I have many stories to tell in the future on my brother and cousins. 

★ For real best friends that aren’t family I have a few, but one in particular I will also always call family is my goddaughter Mia’s mom, my friend April.  We have known each other almost 30 years, and have been through a lot through the years. If I ever needed someone in a flash to be there she has always been there and I truly do always appreciate that. 

I will be back soon with another “Randomness” in the following weeks to come! Until next time, keep smiling.