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Creating memories...

1/7/2018

16 Comments

 
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. 
16 Comments
Tina Frisco link
1/7/2018 18:54:55

Such beautiful memories, Gwen. And what a blessing to get the whole family together to celebrate! Wishing you a new year filled with joy, love, peace, and laughter ❤

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/8/2018 05:42:08

Thank you, Tina. It was a blessing not to be forgotten. ♥

Reply
john howell link
1/8/2018 06:31:23

What beautiful photos, Gwen. You can see the pride and love in each one. The one of Larry and you broadcasts the "love of our life." sentiment expressed in your book. Thank you for sharing this tableaux of peace.

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/8/2018 13:11:04

Thank you, John. My kids arrived with burdens of work and returned with family joy. I suspect we'll will carry these memories through the years ahead.

Reply
John Fioravanti
1/8/2018 09:12:07

Thanks for sharing these lovely photos and your family experience at Christmas, Gwen. It is wonderful you were able to make the reunion happen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/8/2018 13:12:45

Thank you, John. It was a wonderful gift being with them, laughing at nonsense and enjoying the Southern California breezes.

Reply
Davy D link
1/8/2018 10:18:06

It is great to see such joy coming from your family Gwen and thank you for the positive thoughts to take into 2018.

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/8/2018 13:14:12

Thank you, Davy. It was a much needed soul-refreshing experience. :)

Reply
D.L. Finn
1/8/2018 10:29:49

Such lovely photos of beautiful memories. What a blessing you were able to do this. Yes, it has been hard for so many for different reasons, but this post shows what is really important. Thank you for sharing this-- it brought a smile to my morning. I have the same hopes for 2018.

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/8/2018 13:18:13

Thank you, Denise. I'm ever so grateful for the time we had together. Laughter filled our hearts and the ocean healed our souls. ♥

Reply
Mae Clair link
1/8/2018 11:00:28

What a great gathering with wonderful photos to celebrate family and being together. These are fabulous Gwen! I'm thrilled you had an opportunity to bring everyone together. It's clear from the photos how much everyone enjoyed themselves!

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/8/2018 13:19:42

Thank you, Mae. It was a magical time, something I hope to repeat in a couple of years. :)

Reply
Jan Sikes link
1/9/2018 10:27:49

Oh, Gwen, this is so precious. I can the joy on the faces. Just an amazing gift to share with each other. Thank you for sharing your joy with us.

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/16/2018 10:57:14

Thank you, Jan. It was very precious, as only a mom can experience. :)

Reply
MNL (Cactus Haiku) link
1/14/2018 13:48:30

I enjoyed reading this, very heartwarming.

Reply
Gwen Plano
1/16/2018 10:58:02

Thank you, MNL. I'm so happy you enjoyed the story. ♥

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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