I am a Sun Sneezer Just Like My Dad

Who do you take after, look like, act like? Some of us have family genes that seem unbreakable and generation after generation has that curly hair or that dimple in the chin. Others find themselves making an expression in a photo or sleeping with their eyes open just like Grandpa. Then there are the reactions to situations that we think~wow Mom would have handled it just like I did.

These days everyone is fascinated with DNA testing and finding out who and what they are made of. This can lead to a better understanding of just why we are the way we are. Or it could be that by identifying in a certain way we will change who we are to fit what we expect we should be. This fascination fascinates me. While I have no personal desire to get my mouth swabbed to gather information about myself, I respect the need of others to do so. Ronnie B. sent off the test that I gave him for Christmas and was so interested in the results he expected and those he hadn’t a clue about. 

My family is a chosen one. Our kids had birth parents who helped us form our family. I know that there is a lot to be learned about who they are genetically. But for me what matters is that they are mine and for that I am beyond grateful. For some reason looking back doesn’t appeal to me. We have friends whose children have struggled with addictions when there wasn’t a family history, others who have a gift for art that appears out of nowhere. What I hope is that these unveiled histories help with medical truths and give people the connections they want. But that the results they find don’t limit them, define them or direct them on their life’s journey. 

I wanted to be a teacher since the first grade when I drew a picture and wrote my wobbly letters on my paper. That was my heart’s desire not my  family history. There had never been a teacher or a college graduate in my family. Some say I am a selfless, generous person. My Dad would give anyone anything they needed even if they didn’t ask. That was just who he was. I believe that I get my generosity from him. It is a part of my fiber~DNA if you will. Looking at my children I see ways that they are like their birth families but also ways they are just like our family. The whole nurture and nature thing is such a mish mash that creates each of us and helps us be who we are going to be. 

What was my point? Oh yeah. Learn from where you came but don’t limit your life to it. Embrace the truths of who you are but know that each of us can overcome and stretch ourselves into even greater beings. Then centuries from now when people research you they can be wowed by the greatness of who you are and how you lived your life. 

In Him,

Joyful

2-19-19