I am the type of person who wants to spend the most time they can with my loved ones. I want my friends and family to know that I care. The thing I’ve learned throughout the years is that I may think I’m putting in the maximum amount of effort, but to the other person, it isn’t what they need. I spent a few days last week with my family in the Outer Banks. My family has made it a point to meet up for a week in the summer every two years. 

I haven’t gone for about 8 years so I missed 4 vacations. I decided to go this year. My family was gracious enough to pick me up and pay for my flight back because I could only stay a few days.  My main concern was that  I wouldn’t have enough time with everyone. My only day at the beach where I got sunburned and my best friend was stung by baby jellyfish. My sister had a surprise engagement party, and I was able to talk with her fiancee. I was sad to go so soon, but I’m grateful for the memories I made. 

The biggest lesson I think l learned last year is it’s important to make memories while you can. I know everyone says tomorrow isn’t promised, but look at how many people are no longer with us. 2020 was hard. 2021 is different from life as we know it. 2021 is just an adjustment period to process everything that happened last year. 

Friendships were tested and unfortunately, some had to break. Family relationships are rocky for some people. This is a scary time and everyone is trying to figure out where to go from here. This isn’t a plea to reconnect with family. I know that’s impossible for some families. There’s too much pain. 

 Chosen families are valid too. Don’t delay talking to the people you love because you think there’s not enough time. A memory only takes a second to make.

Featured Photo by Jarmoluk courtesy of Pixabay