Jasper and Grandma Vicky
Lauren and Grandma Vicky

Great Grandpa Jack, Grandma Vicky and the kids

My mom and I

Mom, me, and my Grandpa Jack

Grandpa Jack and I

Great Grandpa Jack and Jasper

Well, what a life changing experience I have had the past week or so. On Friday, July 17th, I saw my mom, whom I have not seen in 11 years and I met my grandfather for the first time. It was AMAZING!! There was a family reunion in Branson, MO and we went. My mother lives in Washington state. We have kept in touch, but not real close contact. I was not raised by my mother, so that is why we haven't been that close. She had not spoken with or seen her father in 18 years and she found him in May. Then a cousin, Jim, contacted my mother and told her about the reunion and asked for my information and that is how the whole thing got started. My mom was not going to come to the reunion due to finances, but Jim payed for her to come. Jim is 73 and really close to my Grandpa Jack and knows what an experience it would be for my grandpa to meet me and see my mom. My grandpa is 74 and suffered from a stroke one year ago. It only affected the way he walks. He is precious. Never did I think I was going to fall in love with him the way I did. He was so sweet and I really enjoyed meeting him and talking with him. He only lives about 5 1/2 hours away in Texas!! We hope to go visit with him sometime. I did meet many more relatives of mine. Everyone was so friendly and welcomed us with open arms. There is so much history in the family.

After Branson my mom came home with us and stayed for a couple of days. It was great. We went to the nature center and shopped around some. It was so awesome to show her our sweet town of Greenwood, where we live, where Lauren goes to school, etc... There was so much I wanted her to see and I just wanted her to be proud of where I am in life and show off my wonderful children. I see so many of my friends with their mothers and hear them talk about the realtionship they have and it was great to have my mom actually here and briefly get to visit with her. God really put all the pieces together for her to be here. It was truly wonderful. It really showed me how blessed I was and that no matter what, how my kids will always want a relationship with me. A goal I have always had in life was to be the BEST mother I could be to my children. I just want to follow the path God has layed for me and appreciate the moments I get with each person I come in contact with.

Thank you Jesus for my sweet cousin Jim who followed his heart and reunited my mother, grandpa, and I. I am so grateful!!!

Love, Shaina