Karen Nazor HillMy life is far from perfect. Just like everyone, I have troubles. And just like everyone, I deal with them the best I can.
Still, despite my woes, my parents taught me something that gets me through every single day - to count my blessings. And, boy! Do I have some major blessings.
Just last week my husband and I flew to San Diego, Calif., to witness my son's accomplishment, the title of Dr. Kristopher Nazor, earning a Ph.D in biology. A scientist, my son has already had many scientific papers published in the relatively new science of stem-cell research. And, as his mother, I am bursting at the seam in pride. My daughter, Dr. Karah Nazor, is also an accomplished scientist/teacher with a Ph.D. in biology, too.
And it was while we were in San Diego for nearly a week that I realized how much I was missing my little blessings back home in Chattanooga - my grandchildren: Tilleigh, 8; Evie, 4 and William, 2. My oldest daughter, Kacee Nazor, may not be a scientist, but she's the loving mother of my three grandchildren and nothing in this world makes me happier.
Blessing.
When we saw the children the day after we got back from California, William said something that turned me into a pile of mush.
"I love you here, Mom," he said (my grandchildren call me "Mom"), after jumping into my open arms.
Oh, my goodness. I. Love. You. Here. That's my little guy's way of telling me he doesn't like me being away. He wants me to stay at home.
See what I mean about troubles? My troubles don't hold a candle to my grandson telling me, in his 2-year-old way, how much he loves me.
Blessing.
Evie added to my happiness that very moment by telling me, "Go ahead, Mom. Start kissing. I know you want to kiss me a million times."
Blessing.
Later that evening, Tilleigh, who had been at play practice, ran into the house yelling, "Mom! Mom!" She ran up to me and wrapped her arms around my waist.
"I'm glad you and Boo (their name for my husband) are back. Can we spend the night tonight?"
Blessing.
At the end of the day, I've got some mighty big blessings to be thankful for, despite some mighty big troubles plaguing my family. I can't let the troubles envelope me because I need to be whole and happy for the rest of my family.
It's not always easy, but thanks to my parents who guided me down the right path to happiness, I will. I recognize my blessings every second of my day, and I will be forever grateful for each one.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.