An Ode To Family and Groceries (February 9, 2009)

Most of my life has been focused around myself. Growing up as the youngest child for 7 years, i was often the focus of attention in my family of what was then, seven. As time went on, two little brothers came around and they may have gained some of that attention but, I never felt like I had lost too much of it. I was the perfect child, All-Star Little Leaguer and above average student. Looking back at myself, I was pretty awesome. I had everything given to me,  including parents who worked hard to raise seven children in the best circumstances possible. When Mom would come home from the grocery store, I along with my siblings would complain about having to help put them away. I procrastinated on my weekly chores and I rarely remembered when it was my dish night. Maybe I wasn't so awesome. Time went by, middle school and on into high school. My above average grades became mediocre, my All-Star status didn't mean much anymore and I still was unaware of the sacrifices being made for my gain. Life kept rolling along. Girls soon became more interesting that sports, not by much but enough to get my attention periodically, or maybe a little more than periodically. With all the high school drama and distractions,  I never caused my parents much greif, and rarely got in trouble at school. I guess it is fair to say I had my strengths and weaknesses. Off to college, away from everything I'd ever known. Naturally, there was the excitement of leaving home and being on my own. The excitement of experiencing some life! My moral compass has always been strong enough for me to avoid the bad situations. Surely that saved me from something terrible more than once. I got a job at a church doing what I love, following my passion. I got a job worshipping my God. How awesome is that? I met the girl, the girl liked me. The "girl" is the most Godly, gentle, sweet and loving human being I have ever known tied with my mother. Next up on the to-do list, marry the girl! It seemed like I had everything together, I actually thought I did too! So let me paint you a picture; All American boy, he had his ups and downs in life but mostly he had ups. He had everything given to him all his life. He went to private school to get a great education. He worked one day a week in high school at dear ol' Dad's limousine business, what a drag. Now that same boy is married, is on his own and is not only depending on himself now but he also has another life he is responsible for. I woke up about a month ago and that picture penetrated every part of me. All my life I've been given everything. My parents raised me and provided me with every opportunity. I came out on top, I can say that with all confidence. Life has come at me unbelievably fast and it's struck me fairly hard. Two things could've happened next, I simply could have folded under the pressure or I could take example from my parents, from my family. What did happen is this, an overwhelming sense of gratitude and thanks came to me. All my life, I've been given everything. I complained about helping with the groceries, I procrastinated on my chores, and yet I had everything. On my own now with the love of my life, I have decided to be greatful. I have the two most amazing parents who have been examples of love, dedication, determination, perseverance, courage and every good thing. My siblings are closer than most through thick and thin. Here I am, fifteen hundred miles away and it is all with me. My parents are with me, my siblings are with me, it is all right here. Now it is me; I go to the grocery store, check for the lowest price, load up the cart, pile it in the trunk, get it into the apartment and store it away. (With the help of my afformentioned best friend.) Ignorance is not bliss, I never knew what my parents, what my family did for me and I wish I had known sooner. It took me being here, starting my own life to realize. The blessing is that all of those qualities, all of the sacrifices are a part of me. Collin Campbell is who his family made him, directed by God. I love my family and I treasure every memory, every laugh, every part inside of me forever.