We Are FAMILY!!!

There are celebrations throughout our lives that define and steer you on a course.  Now the choice that you have on this journey is totally up to you:  where you are at that moment in time … and how you choose to use it.  I had the extreme pleasure of celebrating with family and friends on my Mom’s 80th birthday…….it was great to go back to my hometown of Cincinnati!  It was wonderful spending 4 days with my Mom, doing nothing in particular, but enjoying time together.

Now Janie, of course does not like to be the center of attention, nor does she feel that raising seven children during the 60’s and 70’s was anything special.  I don’t think she realizes that she is the glue that kept the Kossen machine running.  So, it is with extreme pride that I highlight my Mom, Jane Kossen, for one, being such a special lady and also for never giving up to circumstances that she had absolutely no control over.  I have to say the team of Janie and Jim, had their tough times, but made it through it together for nearly 60 years.  I have to say, my Dad was smiling down at his bride as we gathered to celebrate her life!

I, for one, am thankful for being a part of the party—-because you all know that the California Smerik’s do love a party……I think for my Mom, having all her children and 20 of her 23 grandchildren there, was icing on the cake.  And the extended family of her sister my Aunt Martha and some of her children was beautiful.  Let’s not get me started on the crazy extreme gift that Randy organized—what a deck you created Mom….the gift that keeps on giving….a personalized deck of playing cards with all the Kossen’s accounted for–crazy, crazy!

I am in a great place right now, pain management is still an ongoing issue,  totally learn as you go…..but I am actually sending this post as I am sailing the waters of Belize…..life is good and while I can, I am going with all the gusto I can muster.  Waking each day, with a truly blessed smile on my face is something I treasure, as I do the fabulous sunsets, the beauty that is my family—Randy, Brian, Tommy, Elisa, and Katie…..you folks are my rock!!  You keep me grounded and loosen the reigns when needed.  So, as I enjoy the spectacular beauty that is Belize….I toast the wonder that is my Mom, Janie, I love you like no other, can’t wait till you make your next journey to Poway, because I will be there, with open arms and hugs that never end!