Building

My grandmother's birthday was Tuesday...August 10th. She became 89 years old on that day. She is not really able to celebrate like she used to, as she is in a nursing home and she does not talk much. She also no longer walks. But regardless, she has made it another year and as a family we are blessed. So, to celebrate my grandmother as we know she would want us to, there was a family gathering in my hometown with many of her great nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren and family in general. There were people I had not seen in years-simply amazing.

The funny thing is many of these folks live right near me. Just have not touched base or acknowledged the family that is right around. I don't know, it seems like time goes so fast and keeping in touch is so, well, not difficult but not something I have done well. I hope this weekend actually changes how I stay connected with my folks, because that is the way to ensure the family has deep roots. I also think that it was so wonderful that even though my grandmother was in no position to plan a birthday party and get everyone together, still, in spirit she did. Leading simply from the position of matriarch.

I sit here now, and think about my family in a totally different way that how I did just a few days ago. It is bigger, fuller, and definitely a more wonderful family than I even knew that I had. My wife was able to meet people for the first time, and that meant something to everyone as the family is growing. I have promised myself that I will work harder to ensure that I maintain the relationships that were born again on this weekend, and that I stay true to the motto of family that I promote. I pray these are not just words on a page-but soulful sentences that lend to the discipline of action.