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A Very Special Thanksgiving... Family

By
Mortgage and Lending with Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

 

                                                                                                                                                   Nieces & Nephews @ Thanksgiving 2010

 

After being on Active Rain for a tad over 4 years, I consider this place as a second family and a second home. There are a dozen or so that I have gotten to know over the last 3 years who I would consider like immediate family, which holds a special place in my heart. I will get to see a few of them come this Monday & Tuesday. AR gathering Monday the 29th & AR RainCamp the 30th. But most of all, what has become very special, is my immediate family.

For many of you that know, I am still single with no kids. But I have one sister who has been blessed with 6 kids. Yes, you heard me right, 6 kids. And she and my brother-in-law have given the Brady Bunch a run for their money. But most off all, I have been very blessed to still have my parents around.

 

 

All I can saw is that we have been very lucky in this department. Growing up as a kid and even in my 20's & 30's, I never always felt appreciative of a close family and sometimes took them for granted. I see all around me those who have one parent left or no parents left, when celebrating the holidays such as Thanksgiving, a time when we are suppose to be Thankful. Yet this is a holiday that is once a year, when we should be grateful and thankful 365 days a year. Just last year in June, my dad had a scare and had to have emergency surgery due to a bload clot outside of his brain. A month later, my uncle which was my dads brother, was killed in a biking accident at the age of 56. I just saw my aunt, my uncles wife, at a Belonger family reunion back in August. This past May, I lost my grandmother, my mom's mom, who I was looking forward in seeing this past August. And the week prior to going to Wiscosin for the family reunion, my aunt died at the age of 65. Lastly, just a month ago, my mom started to have tests because they had found some cancer. Luckily we just got news last week that everything came back negative.

 

Overall... I can just say that we have been blessed. I told you all that my sister has 6 kids, 3 of which are adopted. Long story, but she couldn't have kids and adopted Katerina and Johnny. Then actually had Andrew and felt sorry for Kat, so they adopted another girl, Alisha. Well, 2 1/2 years ago, unexpectedly, my sister had twins. So they still get to grow up with my parents, as their grandparents. Something else that I am very grateful for. (ages - 12, 12, 8, 6, 2 1/2, 2 1/2)

The point being is that so many of us get in a hurry, focus on our jobs, our lives, yet we sometimes take our families for granted. What I was very thankful for on this day, was that we were all together again, enjoying each others company. I have been blessed in this department per se and my thoughts & prayers go out to all of those that have lost loved ones in the past. And my thoughts & prayers go out to those with loved ones overseas, keeping out Country safe.

 

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Copyright © 2011 by Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

Comments (21)

Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Jeff this is the first year both of my parents are gone.  The table was set with my mom's wedding china circa 1942 and the table cloth was handmade by my grandmother in 1935.  After dinner we looked at my grandfather's HS graduation annoucement from 1903 and some photos taken in the early 1940's of various aunts & uncles who are all gone now as well.  It is at these times that we remember our families and how much that meant to us.

Nov 25, 2010 01:37 PM
Kathleen Frawley
Keller Williams 916 730-4404 Elk Grove, Wilton, Folsom, Sacramento - Wilton, CA
South County Sacramento, 916 730 4404

Jeff, your sister is blessed x 6 for sure.  Happy thanksgiving to you and everyone you love.

Nov 25, 2010 01:50 PM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

Jeff, You are an awesome person, period.  I can only imagine how special your nieces and nephews think their Uncle Jeff is!  SIX?  Lol..they all look adorable.  Did you know I too adopted my 2 kids?  

Yes, you are lucky to have both parents.  My father in law is spending this week with us, after losing his wife of 60 years last week.  We all had a wonderful day together, knowing how precious our time together is!

As did Cindy, I set the table with my Grandmothers china...so special to me.  Memories are abundant and I"m thankful to have them.

Happy Thanksgiving my special friend...from day one you made me feel right at home here in the Rain and I'm thankful :)

 

Nov 25, 2010 02:40 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Jeff, Thanks for sharing your beautiful family...we have a great deal to be thankful for.

Margaret

Nov 25, 2010 02:51 PM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

 

CINDY... . sorry to hear about your loss....  My grandmother had passed away back in May and when we went to the family reunion in Wisconsin in August, I know my mom and her sisters sat around going through some photo albums, rememberin their mother. Memories are great... thanks for the comment and for sharing.

KATHLEEN... . yes she is.. thanks.. and hoping you and your family had a happy & thankful thanksgiving.. thanks

COOP... . Yes, I read your post earlier, about Homer and him losing his wife of 60 years. .. I read how much you enjoy having him around and I am sure he truly feels the same. That in itself sounds special... and yes, I am thankful to have many memories. Thank you for the kind words and the compliment... and it's been great getting to know you over the years. Just to bad you won't be here next week... next time I guess.  thanks and happy Thanksgiving.

MARGARET aka Home Rome.. . my pleasure and thanks for stopping by.  I hope you and your husband had a happy & thankful Thanksgiving..

 

Nov 25, 2010 03:01 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

So glad you had a nice day with family Jeff....all too often we all take each other forgranted but it's holidays such as this...that we are grateful ...

Nov 25, 2010 03:33 PM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Oh, what a beautiful family...one of the reasons I love this time of year is it does seem we tend to slow down just a little and count our blessings.  I thank God for every special memory of those we have lost.  Thanks for the reminder.

Nov 25, 2010 03:45 PM
Marilyn Boudreaux
Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

Jeff thanks for sharing with us today, true we should take time to relax and really consider our thanks.  I have had many big Thanksgivings over the years, this is one of the few that I did not cook instead we ran away and left town LOL....well after eating the Thanksgiving buffet at the casino where my daughter works :)  Been on the road all day and was getting text updates on the Saints/Cowboys game along the way...Its just not the same when your family shrinks.  You are blessed to have your parents still with you and that big group of children to keep you young at heart :)

We live in a great country and should remember to be thankful all the time not just today!  As for the rest of the weekend well its all about football rivalry!  GO HOGS

Nov 25, 2010 04:20 PM
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTOR® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

Jeff - thanksgiving is a day to appreciate our family members who are here and to remember those who are no longer with us.

Nov 25, 2010 04:32 PM
Steve Scheer
Realty Oasis - Metro Brokers - Highlands Ranch, CO
Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Denver Real Estate

Jeff I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for and it is important that we all try to remember that every day.

Nov 25, 2010 04:33 PM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

 

SALLY.. . yes, the holidays certainly bring many of us together.. it's only since i have gotten older that I am more thankful daily than just several times a year... thanks

SUSAN.... .  thanks, they are great kids.. fun, joyful, happy, and very polite.. and yes, I am very thankful of those memories for those that we have lost in our lives.  Thanks and hope you and your loved ones had a happy thanksgiving.

MARILYN... .  I am sure that it was actually nice to not have cooked such a large meal. .. and that you got to spend time with your daughter. I know when I was much younger, that I worked on several holidays... but that was the restaurant business... and yes, the rest of the weekend will be dedicated to football.. ;o)  Thanks

PAM... .  I agree.  yet I think we should be more thankful for both throughout the years and not just today. hope you and your loved ones had a special thanksgiving..

STEVE... . we did, thanks.. and I hope you had the same. . and I agree, that we shall remember how thankful that we are every day... thanks

 

Nov 25, 2010 05:16 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond
Jeff, like the old adage says You don't know what you have until it is gone...but you have expressively shared with us that you appreciate family so well...thank you for sharing your wonderful family and you may enjoy your nieces & nephews this holiday...I lost one parent this year and there is always that hole so it is important to be always mindful about one's family...thanks
Nov 25, 2010 10:57 PM
Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ
Weichert - Lopatcong, NJ

Uncle Jeff,

Like you, I have none of my own but sure do keep my nephews and nieces near to my heart. Making time for family is a worthwhile priority in my book too!

Nov 26, 2010 12:49 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Jeff I hope you and the family had an awesome time yesterday at the Thanksgiving festivities!

Nov 26, 2010 01:40 AM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

 

GINNY.... . isn't that the truth and I am glad I haven't been reminded of that the hard way. Sorry about your loss this year.. my thoughts go out to you and your family. overall, thanks for the kind words and for your input.

IRENE.... . making time is certainly important, especially in this fast pace society that we live in,... thanks. and I guess I will be seeing you next Tuesday?  What about Monday night?

BILL.... . we did Bill.. thanks and I hope you and your family had a happy and thankful Thanksgiving..

 

Nov 26, 2010 02:52 AM
Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ
Weichert - Lopatcong, NJ

Proud to report I'm dragging at least 1 colleague to RainCamp, Jeff.  I had offered to drive down and back on Tuesday to encourage others to participate.  So, won't crash your party Monday night but hope you save 1 hug for me on Tuesday!

Nov 26, 2010 05:00 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Hi Jeff, it appears you and your family have all the makings for great Thanksgivings and other holiday gatherings!  All the best!

Nov 26, 2010 06:14 AM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Jeff, sound like you had a special Thanksgiving day.  There's nothing like family and it;s something to be thankful for each and every day,  Looking forward to seeing you at Riancamp on Tuesday.  Sorry I won't be able to make it for Monday night.

Nov 27, 2010 04:06 PM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Jeff,

Family is one of God's best inventions meant to be enjoyed to the full.

You are blessed,

Steve

Nov 28, 2010 01:10 AM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

 

IRENE... . sounds good... looking forward in finally meeting you... be safe in traveling.

SILVIA.... .  I certainly think we do.. thanks for the kind words and hope your Turkey day holiday was a good one..

LORA... . yes, it was special.. and with these kids, it seems to be special every day.  And yes, I will see you on Tuesday.. thanks

STEVE ... .  it certainly is and at times, I think we all take this for granted,,,I do feel blessed.. thanks

 

Nov 28, 2010 01:48 AM