There are few things in life which
bring more joy, more worry, more pride, or more sorrow than one's
family. As a young parent, I remember thinking that someday my
children would be grown and on their own and I could relax and not
have to worry about them. Guess again. They grow up, move out, have
their own families and then they come back, suffer crisis, share
their concerns and, fortunately, remain a part of your life. They
are what life is all about. They share their triumphs, their dreams,
their experiences and continue to share their lives with you. Family
relationships are eternal in nature and endure throughout this life,
and I believe into the eternities, and I am glad for that.

As I take inventory of my family, I am
grateful for children who are talented, intelligent, and caring
people. They are exceptional in their own individual ways. I have
children who excel in leadership, who are patient enough to debug a
computer program (that patience didn't come from me), who can sing,
write, save lives, teach, play musical instruments, and do so many
more great things. The are contributing members of society who show
compassion for others, who speak their minds yet try to understand
others, they contribute. They are examples to the children they love,
and work hard to see that their children know they are loved and
supported. As I watch them progress through life, I see them working
to instill in their children the values which will helped make them
successful. As I quietly stand back and observe, I am proud of the
men and women they have become.
In the twilight of my life, I sometime
allow my mind to wander back to the days when they were young. I see
a collection of happy urchins playing in the mud, catching fish at
Pine Valley (or some just playing with caught fish), entertaining
themselves in front of an old VHS camera with imaginations that could
stifle the likes of Spielberg, or Lucas. Those are good memories for
me. There are times when I wish I could go back in time even if for
just a moment; go back and just stand back and watch the energy of
their youth and their love for each another.

As I quietly watch them today, from a
distance, I see that youthful love continually expressed as they
support each other. I realize with regularity how lucky I am as I
see them comfort each other, share their resources when one is in
need, and as they laugh and work together. Each one is following
their own path, but they are still, unquestionably family. Their in
no question about the love they have for each other and for us as
their parents. They are exceptional and I love them with all my
heart. I hope they never question my love or the special place they
hold in my heart. I hope they know just how special they are and how
grateful I am that they are my children.
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