All Things Gwen

The best things in life are so simple — to me, it’s moments and memories with family and friends. No one can take them away. They keep us forever tied to those who mean the most to us.

Family first
Some of the closest people to me are my cousins. Although half of us are in NJ, and the other half is in Canada, we are like brothers and sisters. My aunts and uncles are like parents to me as well. We spent weeks together in the summers and over holidays — travelling to Virginia, the Jersey shore, camping — and used to stay up all night playing cards, coloring and laughing. We’re the only ones that can laugh about how I flew off the see-saw, into the air and pretty much knocked myself out … how we found some of Uncle Paul’s (real) Easter eggs the following year … and how Sarah used to wear bright red lipstick.

Now that we are older, our time together has shaped how we want to raise our own children. I want my (future) children to have what I had … what I have. A close-knit family is something that my husband and I can always provide — no matter what the economy looks like or whatever else is going on in our lives. It’s a gift that’s free and lasts a lifetime.

Saying goodbye and moving on
A few weeks ago, we buried one of our youngest “sisters” — Margaret. It was a sad, sad day. So unbelievable, especially since we had just been together a few weeks before. She read at my wedding and was glowing — so beautiful, wise and grown up. It was something so unexpected, but the opportunity for me to grow and be strong. In my saddest moments, Margaret helped me do the things I was afraid of … and I did things for her that I am proud of. I spoke at her viewing, touched her hand, shoveled dirt on her grave and visited the place where she passed away.

Margaret’s death taught me to live life with no regrets, to be thankful for family, memories and moments. It reminded me how precious and short life is, and to live it to the fullest. During that time, I also learned how to let go and forgive.

I’m so thankful that shared moments together that will stay with me forever.