Family means the world to me. Those of you that have family around to all the time that is amazing. I have my kids but my mom, dad and siblings all live far away. We are very close to our kids but I sure do miss my other family. I get to see them two to three times a year.
When things happen, I can’t just stop and go to them. When my nephews are playing sports, I just can’t’ show up to their games. Life takes you in all directions.
Do we all get along? Not all the time, but we work things out. We don’t argue about things we can’t control. Everyone has different personalities and it makes it hard at times. But when push comes to shove, we are there for each other when needed.
It drives me nuts to see family members go months, and even years, without talking to each other. For many, I’ll bet if you ask them why they are mad at each other, they couldn’t tell you. If those people really thought back on it, I’ll bet “the infraction” is so petty that it didn’t even matter in the first place.
Why do hurt the ones we love the most? We will keep our mouths shut in all areas when it comes to our friends, but with family we can be cutthroat.
Guys, family is all some have. I am used to a big family and lots of gatherings. I have family members that are not talking right now.
Family members bug each other and get on each other’s nerves. GET OVER IT!
Find a way to work it out. Find a way to be able to handle that person. Maybe it’s you don’t hang out alone with them. Set the environment to where you don’t give room for things to get worked up.
My family has never been around since I have been grown and I miss it. They had to visit when my kids were little and now they have to plan and come visit to see my grandchild. I have gotten used to it over the years because I had to. I don’t like it but make the best of it.
I had to make a new family. This “new family” I made was my church family. I also have a few friends that I can count on no matter what. Life can get lonely.
You can’t do life alone and expect to make it. We were not made that way. We are in it together.
If you have a family member you haven’t talked to in a while, go pick up that phone and be the better person and talk to them. Sometimes, we have to be the one to say “sorry” when it isn’t our fault. This is called living above the line.
You will feel much better about it. It makes you to be able to sleep better at night.
So love your loved ones a bit tighter today. You never know when God is going to call them home. Have no regrets.
FRENCH ONION TATER TOT CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS:
1 (30 to 32-oz) package frozen tater tots
1 (10.75-oz) can Cream of Chicken soup
2 cups (16-oz) refrigerated sour cream French Onion Dip
8-oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine potatoes, soup, dip and cheddar cheese. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 45 – 60 minutes, until bubbly.
Tina Specht is co-publisher of the Minden Press-Herald. She shares her thoughts and recipes each Thursday.