Patti and I examine a photo book her son, John, made for her.  That's grandboy Anders on the right.

It Is a Family Thing

The older I get--and that's OLD--the more I understand the value of family. It is unparallelled, frankly. I got a reminder of that yesterday when I drove a bit less than two hours to my sister's home in Crozet, outside Charlottesville. I have been to her house twice in more than 10 years and loved being there each time. So why didn't I go more often? I really can't explain it.

Anyhow, I met her grandkids, Anders and Anthony, her son John and John's delightful wife Ursula. I also re-connected with Patti's husband of more than 60 years, Tony. I came away filled with the warmth of a giant hug.

We talked of family, of kids growing up, of accomplishment, of our hopes and in the case of the grandparents, what we hope our legacies will be. We took pictures. Waaaay too many pictures, until later when we are grateful we took the time to point the cameras and phones. 

I had been feeling down lately, a bit unloved and borderline useless. All that was pushed away yesterday and with my son's family's visit over the weekend. It is all about family, however you define "family."

Here's some of what it looked like.

My nephew John and his lovely wife Ursula (who organized our gathering)

Ursula and my sister, Patti

Son Anthony (left), John and Ursula.

My buddy Ursula and me. 

Tony, Patti and me.

Tony, Patti, me and their grandson Anders

Anthony and the flag

Me and the boys, Anders and Anthony