Proud Beyond Words

Hello, dear readers,

It’s Meghann here, beaming with pride on this cloudy afternoon of September 8, 2025.  Today, my heart is overflowing with love and admiration for my two oldest daughters, who’ve shown me once again the beauty of kindness and open hearts. They recently discovered cousins they didn’t know they had—relatives on their father’s side, whose mother was never acknowledged by their grandfather, largely due to the influence of Jackie Lewis, my ex-mother-in-law. Instead of resentment or hesitation, my girls reached out with pure excitement, exclaiming, “Mom, we have cousins!” They began by talking to their aunt and introducing themselves all on their own, a bold and brave step that melted my heart. Their kind hearts led them to invite these new family members for dinner, and they’ve been chatting up a storm ever since. Their newfound aunt very kindly asked all about them, showing genuine interest, and even admitted she didn’t know much about their sport of hockey but wanted them to teach her. This moment has touched me deeply, a testament to the morals and love I’ve worked to instill in them. Let’s dive into why this matters so much and how it reflects the values we hold dear in our home.

The discovery came like a surprise gift, uncovering branches of the family tree hidden by past choices and family dynamics. Their grandfather never claimed this other daughter, influenced by Jackie’s actions, leaving a gap in our family story. But when my girls learned about these cousins, there was no judgment—just joy. “Mom, we have cousins!” they said, eyes wide with wonder, as if finding buried treasure. They took the initiative to reach out to their aunt, introducing themselves with confidence and warmth, a move that showed their courage and curiosity. Their newfound aunt responded with kindness, asking about their lives, their dreams, and their passions, creating a bond from the start. When she confessed her lack of hockey knowledge but eagerly asked them to teach her, it sealed the connection—my girls lit up, already planning to share their love for the ice. They didn’t dwell on the why or the pain; instead, they extended a hand, inviting them over for a home-cooked meal and filling the messages with chatter about shared interests, laughs, and getting-to-know-you stories. It’s been a whirlwind of connection, bridging gaps I never thought possible.

This is so important because it breaks cycles of division and hurt. In a world where family ties can fray over old grudges, my daughters chose love over legacy. It shows the power of kindness to heal—reaching out not out of obligation, but genuine curiosity and warmth. Psychologically, this kind of openness fosters empathy and resilience, traits that help build strong relationships and emotional health. For me, it’s a mirror of the morals I’ve taught them: love unconditionally, forgive freely, and see the good in people. Through our “I love you more” game, faith discussions from my studies, and everyday lessons in compassion, I’ve aimed to raise them to lead with heart. Seeing them embrace their aunt and cousins—introducing themselves, inviting them in, and offering to teach hockey—proves those seeds have taken root. Their excitement reminds me of my own values, passed down from my mother and grandmother, who taught me to nurture bonds despite hardships.

In this act, I see the love I’ve instilled shining back—their kind hearts choosing inclusion over exclusion, turning a hidden family branch into a blooming connection. Their initiative with their aunt, her warm response, and their eagerness to share hockey with her fill me with hope for their futures, knowing they’ll approach life with open arms and teachable spirits.

Let’s spread that warmth.

Thank you for joining me in this joy. More to come.

With love and pride,

Meghann