My life as a stand in…

Through all of my growing up years my father was absent.  Fortunately, I was able to reconnect with my Dad when I got married nearly eleven years ago.  Sadly enough, he passed away a year and a half later.  In the time since his death, I’ve gotten to know the extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents).  When that side of my family has had a difficult situations like my grandfather passing away and just today, my grandmother in the hospital for surgery after her breaking her hip, I feel like it is my duty to act as my Dad’s representative for his family.  With the untimely passing of my Dad, I think this has been a part of the healing process for both my extended family and for me.  In many ways, it’s been quite an experience getting into the thick and thin of a family crisis or tragedy with a family who I wouldn’t have considered “my family” during my growing up years.  I am most thankful for the grace God has shown me in blessing me with these experiences.