This is a picture taken at an establishment that I truly believe if you haven't been there you need to visit. Beginning in 2008 Todd's Zerrusen cousins began a tradition that they went to the MVP Happy Holler on the 4th of July every year. We started joining them a couple years later and enjoyed celebrating our anniversary there, Todd and I were married on the 4th of July 35 years ago. Each year we plan our annual tradition and the owners have always treated us great and a good time is always had by all. We have had bands, DJ's and/or Karaoke, cold beverages and dogs, pigs, and other animals to entertain the kids (of all ages). Some years we are joined by a large group and other years it is small but it is always fun. This establishment is located on the Embarras River out in the middle of nowhere, but worth the trip to get there.
As I look at this picture I see all three of my kids, their spouses and all my grandkids, also known as My World. I also see my ex-husband and his wife who are great friends that celebrated their 26th anniversary the next day. I see my brother and sister-in-law that mean the absolute world to me. They are two people that I have always been able to count on and they are incredible people. I see some near and dear friends to me that make my world complete and we missed a few that couldn't make it this year because of other things going on and or they wanted to skip a year. I know I have been blessed with the best circle of people around me and our family.
Making memories with your family is important. If you have the opportunity to get together with those that make up your world, TAKE IT! As a mom, watching your child fight a life threatening disease and getting the opportunity to see them make memories with their friends, our family and see them smile and have fun is PRICELESS. None of us know what the Good Lord has in store for us, so we need to live every day like it is our last. The phrase, LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE means more to me now than it ever did. Hug hard, love hard and LIVE FULLY! My daughter has amazing prayer warriors which is why I believe the treatment that we found out yesterday originally had a 20% chance of shrinking the lesions the cancer that had spread from her colon has helped. We continue to pray to someday hear the phrase Cancer Free. Until that happens we are enjoying every memory, and praising God for the caregivers that are helping her fight. I know some don't understand why we put ourselves out there and air all our personal stuff - but if you have ever met us you know we are an open book, we don't hide our crazy - we put it on the front porch and hand it a beverage. But the main reason is I feel every prayer that bends God's ear helps.
Love your family, and remember family doesn't have to be a relative, your family is those you have around you that love you and have your back. If it is a relative, great, and if not they are still family.
