Family

Have you ever been distanced from family because of miles between you?  For close to fifty years I have been 600 miles away from my home town and never really thought much about it. Lately, though, I had some clarity after spending three weeks with them because of my older brother, Tim's dying and death. Being with everyone was a very heartwarming experience. No, not one that I want to repeat, but there certainly were many blessings during that time. 

Have you ever sat with an ill person who was perhaps facing death, and there wasn't anything to "do," and it made you wonder what good you were doing. With a large family, maybe you even thought it was a waste of time, with so many others around. 

Well, my sister put it in a way that I understood.  She explained how, in the distance that I live, being among nieces, nephews, siblings and others now would give both sides time to get to know one another better. My time would be a rare opportunity to bond. She certainly was correct. 

Time spent "doing nothing" gave me a wonderful view of how my nieces and nephews parented, how all the first cousins got along like siblings and how supportive and appreciative Tim's four children were to everyone and how loving an example they were to their own kids. Not once was there an irritation, a squabble or disagreement.  This is rare indeed. 

L to R Youngest to Oldest siblings:
 Dan, Sheri, Deb, Molly, Tim

So, next time I entertain a long-running under current with myself thinking I don't matter, I will remember the weeks I spent with family during my brother's dying process.  Blessings come in the most unexpected places and circumstances.  Thank God for family!