Remembering Family
It has been a full weekend! Along-side the time we celebrate our Lord's resurrection, there were a few other celebrations for our family.
My mother-in-law turned 90 years old on April 4th. Her 4 sons and their wives, (one of which would be me!) planned a big party at a local Saddle club near where she lives in South-east Missouri. I spent the weeks prior creating collages of pictures I have taken and collected to hang on the walls. It was a walk through time browsing through boxes and albums of the years that have gone by. What a joy it was to put together a visual of those years for others to also enjoy throughout the afternoon together. The other sister-in-laws were, at the same time, shopping for paper goods, food items, a gift for the birthday lady of honor, and making out invitations.
What a busy time! My hubby and I have also been in the throws of trying to sell our house, trying to decide where we might want to live, taking care of our daughter who has been in chronic pain for quite some time as well as healing from a recent broken leg. My husband has also been trying to find a job after being laid off in late December. Though it has been a somewhat stressful season, the trip to the country was a weekend to remember!
My 97 year-old grandmother held yet another annual family gathering at her farm. She is no longer actually living there, but her son (my uncle Bobby) who lives next to her homestead, has taken over the place and maintains it. He and the other siblings mowed the grass, turned on the water and set up tables in the old farm house. Then they picked grandma up from the senior living center and brought her out to see all the family for lunch and a kids' annual egg hunt. It is always good to see everyone who can make it and the catch-up time is tightly packed into a short afternoon, coupled with a table full of finger-lickin' vittles!
It is funny how much planning goes into these events where we simply gather to remember! But oh how special and memorable they are! Sometimes it is the only time we see family during the year...and sometimes it is the last time we see some. We all have those we love who are older and living out their golden years. Seeing them is precious - especially when there are stories to share, life to talk about and smiles and hugs to exchange. Sometimes there are cousins, aunts, uncles, or grand parents who we just need to see more, but for some reason don't. It is a good reminder to make new commitments and maybe even change up our routine that needs priorities put back into place. There is just something about family that though absent, seems to come back around as if there were no distance.
I am thankful for those I can call family. For the memories and adventures we hold near and dear. For the people who love us most and stand through the storms of life, gripping our hand and pulling hard for us...those who have fed and clothed, endured and sighed, argued and agreed, laughed and loved with us no matter what our circumstances. May His resurrection power strengthen us to love one another as He has modeled and loved us. May it begin in our families and be a contagious fountain of forgiveness and encouragement to those in whom He has entrusted us to call family!
