Faces of Love

I love getting together with my big family.  Every gathering is a bridge to both the past and the future.  Grammy at 96 years old can't hear very well, or walk very fast, but has held every baby born in this family for the past 70+ years.  The siblings, who have fought, laughed, cried, united, pulled away and united again, know the rhythm of true lifetime relationships.  The cousins, old to young, married, single, students, children, workers -- and yet all share certain visible characteristics of this family.  Quick smiles, expressive eyes, lots of affection.  There are stories from past gatherings, stories being made and many stories yet to come.  And every story joins us to our younger selves.

I looked around a table last night and saw amazing faces of love that were united, not by blood, but by choice.  Bridges to the past when all, including my husband, were young, strong, athletic.  Back then none had grey hair or fat bellies or diseases.  Back then the future was bright.  Dreams were big.  Responsibilities were small.  Around the table I saw men and women whose roads diverged in pursuit of their dreams.  All have battle scars of real life.  All have medals of honor for the courage they have to keep going.  All came back together to celebrate my husband's birthday and to love him through his failing health.  And all offer their love and support to me.

I am richly blessed.