Family

As amazing as it seems - my family is comprised of unconditional love. I will start with my immediate family and GOD love them, because they love me unconditionally. My husband, Jeff, has seen me at my absolute worst and still, he loves me. My son, whom I hope NEVER sees me at my worst, loves me with absolutely no regard to any influences other than his own (unconditionally). Then there is my extended family: my mom (I simply could not function without her) taught me what unconditional love is..both through example and personal relationships. My brothers, though each one is unique in their love, also show love without barriers, thought, or judgements. My in-laws (or outlaws) whichever way you view your own, love me simply because I am me.

Having said all of that - I firmly believe there have been times when all of the above mentioned have not liked me. You might ask how this is possible and in my mind music it all makes perfect sense. Read on for further clarification and examples.

Jeff doesn't like me when I dig my heels in the ground and won't budge. I will not be swayed no matter how wrong he thinks I am. I didn't say that I would explain my own actions, I said I would give you examples of how dislike and love can exist in the same time continuum. Jeff didn't like my actions, but ultimately he loves me because of my inner self that creates those particular actions. Kind of like "the means justify the ends" theory.

Comanche doesn't like me when I ground him for poor decisions on his part. He loves my ability to structure his life, he just doesn't like the end result when it turns out to not be in his favor - this would be the "ends justifying the means".

Mom didn't like me when I was about 16 and spent countless hours scheming ways that I could get around her authority. I can't say that I blame her (now that I have my own), but she loved me because of the possibilities and potential that she knew existed within me. FYI she didn't like my poddy mouth when I was in the Army, either, but she loved the mouth that those words came out of and the heart that felt passionately about whatever I was cursing about.

Mac didn't like me when I wouldn't cower in front of him when he came home from Germany one time. (Coincidentally, guys almost ALWAYS hit harder than girls - so don't try this at home). Anyway - when push came to shove, he loved my spirit and willingness to follow through even though it meant a certain amount of pain for me. And, it never hurts to give the one you are proud of their first diamond ring.

Ron didn't like me when ...well, hhmmm....I can honestly say that I can 't think of a time when Ron has not been on my side. I will have to come back to that because my mind music can't retrieve that particular song.

Steve didn't like me when I was bossing him around and trying like heck to ignore him. He loved me (or he wouldn't have wanted to be around me) even though I almost killed him on several occasions. I guess that means he loved my creative abilities. I know he didn't like me when I told him to stop talking (he was four) because the booger on his face was growing with every move of his mouth. **Note to self - call Steve and apologize BIG.*** However, he loved me because once I realized what a treasure he was - I couldn't (and still can't) get enough of him.

As for the in laws - WELL, I am quite sure they didn't appreciate my taking their baby from them and marrying him without even a note to let them know. As for now, they have learned to love me because I love them.

As a by-note - I can't leave out my Aunt Jody. Uh-hum. I can't really go into detail about when she disliked me because of legal implications (she absolutely knows what I am talking about) but I don't need to say how she MUST have loved me unconditionally because she continued to take me with her to all those really cool concerts.

I love all of them with unconditional heart, smiles, happiness, and joy. So - the feelings are definitely reciprocated.