My Brother....

56 years ago, my mom gave birth 

to my one and only brother.

His name was Dennis Mason Blessing.

He only lived to be 4 months old.

He died of crib death.  What is today known as SIDS.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

No one knows why it happens, but for some reason the child stops breathing in their sleep.

This had to be a tough, tough thing for my parents....or any parent to endure.

But they managed to go on...and unfortunately...have 4 girls afterwards....no boy.

I happened to be the last girl.   Luckily...I was a tomboy to the core.   Trucks, mud, mechanics...I was in.   About as big of a tomboy as I could be...

My parents gave us a great life, one that should be envied.  I never once wanted for anything, but I also worked for what I got.  

They taught me to work for what I wanted.

I sit here today, at 41...thinking that 

I really have so much to be thankful for...

2 wonderful parents that

 I would give my life for...

2 sisters, Penny and Sissy (Selina) that 

I am closer to than ever before...and 
a whole bunch of nieces and nephews, 
and great nieces and nephews. :)

I have a sister that has passed away, way before her time as well...Joni...she was one of the most precious people to ever walk 

the face of the Earth.  But she had 

the hereditary cholesterol problem that plagues

 many of us and she died at the

early age of 50.   :(

We love you Joni!

I don't know why this fell on my heart, but I thought about my brother today.  Maybe it is because my dad is going through a tough time, and I hate to see him down.   He is the toughest and most determined man I know, so I know he will be okay, but I wish I could give him part of my life and energy.

Who knows why life gives us what it does, 

but it is given to us for a reason.

We are meant to do the best we can with it

or give up, and I ain't gonna give up.

For some reason...

I didn't get the...want a kid gene, 

but I have

7 nieces and nephews and

9 great nieces and nephews...so they got

it covered.  I am soo soo proud of each 

and every one of them!   :)

To my mom and dad...

thank you for making me who I am...

I hope I make you half

as proud to be

my parents,

as I am

to be your daughter...   :)