My name is Barb Felt. I grew up the youngest of eight children. When I was eight years old my dad was tragically killed in a farm accident. It turned our world upside down. That morning I was a happy carefree little girl. That night I didn’t know how to keep breathing!
Tragedy either draws a family together or apart. In our case we were drawn together. We realized how fragile life is. In a blink of an eye you may never be able to see someone again. Never get the chance to say how much they mean to you and that you love them. I never left my mom or siblings without a hug or “I love you” after that day.
When I was fifteen I started dating Russ, my brother’s best friend. After a lot of turmoil on my part we were married three years later. I was afraid to marry so young. I thought we needed to make a lot of money before we got married. I went to Germany as an exchange student to try and figure out what I really wanted. When I was there all I could do was live and breathe and love Russ. Everything reminded me of him and I ached for him. He called me and asked me to marry him and I said yes! How wrong I was to think we needed money to be happy. I have learned it’s not the house or material things that bring peace and happiness. It is the relationships. Russ is my soul mate. I can’t imagine doing this life without him.
We dreamed of having six children. Christie is our first born. She is married to Sean and they have four children. Kelly is married to Nate and they also have four children. David is married to Missy and they have two children. Daniel just married Angie. Anna is married to Britton and Amy is our youngest.
Our family is the most important thing to me. I would do anything for them. I know the struggles of trying to survive in the world and make ends meet. Russ and I try to mentor our kids now that we are done parenting. We live on a farm and welcome them home anytime. When all twenty three of us are here we have to make great allowances for one another. Meaning we cannot offend or be easily offended. That is not easy. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing one another’s strengths is what keeps us together.
I believe I was born to be a wife and mother. It is my highest calling and I treasure each person in my family. I prayed for our kid’s spouses since they were born. I honestly love our in-laws with all of my heart. Each one is a piece to the puzzle of our family.
My job is raising golden retriever puppies. I am a farm girl at heart and love the country. One of my favorite things to do is drive down our half mile driveway with seven or eight dogs singing. I like to make up songs when my grandchildren are riding. One of their favorites is “who let the dogs out”!
My family sounds great and my life wonderful. It is. But not without a fight. I fight every day for my family. I fight for unity and harmony. I pray fervently for love to reign in our hearts and truth to be revealed. I fight against oppression and deceit.
My life is full. I have happy and sad days like everyone else. I have learned through my life experiences to look for the good. It isn’t always easy or obvious but we all have strengths and weakness’s. I am a lot happier when I dwell on the strengths of others and myself.
Amy training a golden retriever.
Beautifully written – thank you for sharing!
Thank you for being you! Reading this has put a smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes!
I am so proud and grateful to have met you, and thankful for giving me the “rest” of our family, Duke and Holly!
You and your family are in my daily prayer list!
Thank you!
I loved reading this blog. Thank you so much for sharing. You blessed my heart today!