Family First

You sign on for a reality TV show and you think of the parties, the laughter, really seeing the lighter sides of our lives. Yet whether the cameras roll or not, reality always makes itself known, often in the midst of family. When I got the call about my Uncle Pat, you could see that Kim and I were just hanging out and looking forward to our New York adventure. Obviously the most important part of our world is our family. As Wives, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Nieces, etc., we bring our all to love and support each other--especially in times of great need. 
 
My Uncle Pat was my mom’s last living brother and their bond was such that had they not been family they absolutely would have been friends. He’d been sick recently, but nowhere in any of our minds was there ever the thought that this call would be coming. For me it was vital to be on-hand to shower my mother with love and support and be her rock during this time of loss. And there’s always the sweet irreverence of her grandchildren to help her find her smile at times like this when she feels she can’t smile. Yes, I lost an Uncle, but my mother lost a sibling. Family truly is the bedrock upon which we build our own lives, and I think it’s important that we always remember that. It’s something my husband and I teach our sons every day—you are loved and your family will always be here for you, always.
 
In regards to the ladies trip to New York, I know that nothing said in this group is ever meant poorly. I can genuinely say what a lovely group of gals this is and I would hate to see any one of them have their feelings hurt. Sometimes we really do need to just hug it out—all of us.