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Better not Bitter


Family cycles- what are they? Have you ever noticed a pattern that occurs over generations in your family? That is a cycle. They can be good, or they can be unfortunate. For me, I have many cycles, good and bad, that I can see in my family. My mom often told us growing up, when referring to the negative cycles, that we had to be cycle breakers. It was up to us to change the future generations; and I believe we will.
One positive cycle in my family, some may even see it as a legacy, has been strong, faithful, and capable women.
My great-great grandma Call lived during the depression. Things were tight, but she was always determined to stay strong and not let her circumstances define her happiness. She was strong willed and determined.
Her daughter was my great grandma Anderson. She married a man who was not of the same faith as her. This was not easy, but she was determined and faithful and raised her kids in the gospel that she knew to be true. Her husband was in a bad car accident and was left disabled the rest of his life. She diligently took care of him while she was also taking care of her parents in their old age so that they didn’t have to go into a nursing home. One top of all of that she allowed my grandma (her daughter) and her three kids to live with them while her daughter was going through a divorce. My mom was one of those kids that lived with them.
My grandma Phelps is an energetic, passionate, and strong-willed woman. She also married a man who was not of her faith, my grandpa. They were divorced and then were remarried after some time. She overcame breast cancer. She dealt with the loss of one of her daughters to breast cancer, and just 3 years ago she said goodbye to her sweetheart, my grandpa. Life has thrown a fair amount of trials her way, but she has always maintained her strength through it all. 
Then there is my mom. She was raised by my strong-willed grandma and has developed that characteristic as well. She had 5 kids within 6 ½ years and my dad worked a lot, which left her at home with lots of little ones. For that alone she is a saint! She had a brain tumor but fought hard and won that battle. She consistently and persistently made sure each of her children were making good decisions that would bring them success and happiness in their lives.
Now it is my turn. I get to choose if I am strong, brave, diligent and determined just like the generations have been before me. My life has not been a cake walk so far. Back in 2013 I had surgery to remove a bone tumor that was attached to my bone on my leg. I currently am going to school in a completely different state than any of my other family members. I know that most of my trials have been nothing compared to what my grandmothers and mother have gone through, but I hope I choose to be better instead of bitter when life throws me curveballs.
What are your cycles? Will you keep them? Will you break them? It is your choice and your decision, so make is wisely.

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