by Gwendolyn M Plano
This past year was momentous. In fact, for many of us, life was turned upside down because of hurricanes or tornadoes, wildfires or severe drought. Some of us lost our homes, others of us faced helplessness because of illnesses and disabilities. It was quite the year and through it all, the basics of life (food, shelter, and family) emerged in its paramount importance.
My husband and I have been married for almost twelve years. Between us, we have seven children. My four live on the East Coast; Larry’s three live on the West Coast, and Larry and I live in the Midwest.
Because of everything we had been through last year and everything our children had been through, we wanted to be with our loved ones, under the same roof for Christmas. So, as a gift to my tribe and to me, I rented a house at the ocean’s edge, near San Diego. My four kids, their spouses and four grandchildren moved into the home for the week. Larry’s kids were a brief drive from there.
My twelve arrived beleaguered by long flights but were greeted by sunshine and ocean breezes. They quickly found laughter and each other. Similarly, Larry’s family came together to celebrate togetherness.
What did we discover through this? As we made memories, we re-found laughter and gratefulness. Bishop Desmond Tuto said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” Can there be any greater gift than this?
Today I share a couple of photos of my kids with their children and me. And I wish all of us a New Year filled with delight. May 2018 awaken our dreams, restore our hope, and provide each of us with the well-being to enjoy each moment. Blessings to all.
My husband and I have been married for almost twelve years. Between us, we have seven children. My four live on the East Coast; Larry’s three live on the West Coast, and Larry and I live in the Midwest.
Because of everything we had been through last year and everything our children had been through, we wanted to be with our loved ones, under the same roof for Christmas. So, as a gift to my tribe and to me, I rented a house at the ocean’s edge, near San Diego. My four kids, their spouses and four grandchildren moved into the home for the week. Larry’s kids were a brief drive from there.
My twelve arrived beleaguered by long flights but were greeted by sunshine and ocean breezes. They quickly found laughter and each other. Similarly, Larry’s family came together to celebrate togetherness.
What did we discover through this? As we made memories, we re-found laughter and gratefulness. Bishop Desmond Tuto said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” Can there be any greater gift than this?
Today I share a couple of photos of my kids with their children and me. And I wish all of us a New Year filled with delight. May 2018 awaken our dreams, restore our hope, and provide each of us with the well-being to enjoy each moment. Blessings to all.
RSS Feed