I have just returned from a family oriented vacation. Yeah, I know. You’re saying not another one!  I get it. It’s no fun listening to someone drone on and on about his/her vacation and showing a million and one pictures that mean nothing to you. So I won’t do that. Instead, let’s consider the intangible results of a family “reunion”.

     Very seldom do I have the opportunity to visit with my family since they live in the North and I live in the South. On this occasion, however, I was privy to some very special celebrations: the graduation of my granddaughter from high school and my grandson from middle school, both of which were memorable in themselves. As an added bonus, I was able to witness my granddaughter’s triumphant participation in the state soccer semifinals and finals (a nail-biter to be sure) both of which they won! But all of those great achievements pale when I consider the love of extended family and the camaraderie shared during this time. Walking with and catching up with in-laws, doing a puzzle with my eldest granddaughter, listening to the deafening sound of cicadas in the morning, seeing new and interesting plants and flowers, driving to Raising Cane’s with my grandchildren for a midnight snack were some of the shared activities of the few days that I was there. Each of these was filled with laughter, joking, teasing and lots of love.

      The latter part of the week, found me in another state with yet another branch of family – cousins – which I hadn’t seen for quite a while. Again, the occasions and adventures we shared were filled with hugs, love, laughter and good will. Two different states, two different landscapes, both beautiful and impressive in different ways. In both locations, I experienced new discoveries, updated relative ties and a renewed sense of what “family” really means.

      With today’s world being full of division and close-mindedness, it’s easy for us “Old School” people to forget about how very simple things were when we were kids. I found out during this trip that our values and passion for life, other human beings and our “taught” focus for being “Good People” is still alive! The reminder that my trip supplied was invaluable and I’m thankful for it. I encourage my Online Family to “get away” if you haven’t visited family and close friends in a while. Every experience will be different depending on the person, but I can guarantee you this…..you won’t regret it and you will be filled with gratitude.

       I sincerely wish all of you an experience which reflects your family’s love and respect, especially during this summer of  upcoming celebrations!