Personal Reflections

We are thankful that we were able to attend a niece’s wedding in Santa Cruz, CA. Because of that Marilyn and I have connected with much of our family that we haven’t seen in a long time. We also have had the opportunity to be with our daughter and her family. Of course there is nothing like being with grandkids. They are funny and entertaining, so whether we are taking a walk or just sitting and listening to a puppet show, we are having fun.

Family is a wonderful gift that God has given to us. We were made for relationships, and family is the place where we can make the most meaningful relationships. We are able to do that because of a commitment to stay together and work out our problems through love and forgiveness. Family is the place where we support and validate each other. The stronger our connection to family, the stronger we are emotionally and better able to cope with the problems life brings our way.

I am also thankful to be around my folks for a few days. They are not as strong as they had been and are losing some of their mobility, but they are still living on their own. It does make it difficult to live so far away and not be close enough to help them more. Thankfully my sister lives close and is a constant help to them.