Having Family Company
The past week I have seen much family. It’s always great to see relatives you only see once in a while, but I have to say, I am exhausted!

Last weekend I saw my brother from California. We had much catching up to do. My brother is a talker and can get on rants about government, but I just steer him to the topic of travel and discover delightful tales of the different places he’s been to. His latest was Egypt and Istanbul, both of which he loved. He has traveled so much, that he has great advice. I listen with great amusement (he loves to tell funny stores) and wind up with the travel bug, big time.

Two days later I was with my nephew and his family from central Oregon. They have two small children. I can’t believe the paraphernalia they bring with them. They drive a big king cab full size truck. The whole back seat is crammed with folding crib, car seat, booster seat, toys, etc. My kids sat on a book and played with grandma’s pots and pans.
Next came my sister. She just left today after four days. Now I worked for those four days so I didn’t get to see her that much, but I did find myself considering entertainment in the evenings. She is the one with the cats, so yes, I did get to spend some time petting kitties.
Finally today I went down to see my son at college. He is on a team that builds a small version of a formula one race car. They design and build the car from scratch and then race it against other colleges (more on that later). Now I love nothing better than to see either of my children. And I love to see them doing so well, but I still get sad that they are doing so well without me!

In celebration of family, I include the following quotes.
The last step in parental love involves the release of the beloved; the willing cutting of the cord that would otherwise keep the child in a state of emotional dependence.
- Lewis Mumford
In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.
- Marge Kennedy
In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.
- Eva Burrows
Unconditional love is loving your kids for who they are, not for what they do … it isn’t something you will achieve every minute of every day. But it is the thought we must hold in our hearts every day.
- Stephanie Marston
Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up – ’cause they’re looking for ideas.
- Paula Poundstone



























