When one is young we assume we
have all the time in the world. Yet
the frenzy of surviving often shifts
our focus away from extended kin.
Most of one's youth was focused
on raising kids, building a career,
and barely keeping ahead. Sadly
during such good times, it's tough
to find time to make a call or mail
a card. Let alone whenever life gets
tough. No wonder my Mother felt
forgotten given often she was. And
now that I have the time, she's gone.
One of the benefits of age is
the clarity of hindsight. After
years of hard knocks anyone
smart enough figures life out.
It's then that we finally stop
and finally realize what is
important. Often the things
that we forgot about woo us
back home. And what once
seemed beyond dull becomes
oddly alluring. Could it be
that the simple things in life
are what truly matter?
Frank's Uncle "T" has been coming
back to town several summers for an
extended stay. He cherishes spending
time with his century old brother. Yet
it's obvious that "T" also revels in the
pastoral aspects of his rural Montana
roots. Thus along with his wife "W"
he roams this range fishing, chatting,
and exploring his past, present, and
future. We treasure this opportunity
to spend time with them. Those easy
times that reinforce that we truly are
family and home is where the heart is.
Since the start of summer uncles,
aunts, and cousins from all over
have visited this beautiful place
that we all call "home." It's their
dream vacation destination. Yet
that's not their reason for visiting.
They're here to commune with
the people and places that they're
naturally connected with. Times
such as these create memories
that last a lifetime. Therefore a
simple visit home can often end
up a life changing experience.
At times the mountain must go to
Mohammed. We try to visit both
my daughters annually. This year
we'll hit Chicago to spend a few
days my youngest daughter "M"
and family. We've yet to meet her
second son plus crave some time
with his three year old brother "H".
I'm so proud of the woman that
she has become. Most important
we need to insure that her husband
"D" feels our love and then some!
Now... to find time to do just that...
For the second time my eldest daughter
"E" and her family is coming out for a
week. Her wife "K" is eager to fish and
simply hang out. But I'm most excited
about spending quality time with "M"
my eldest grand daughter. Given we're
rarely together, simply spending a day
doing absolutely nothing will be quite
amazing. Meanwhile my daughter-in-
law is planning to go fishing and enjoy
some time away from the grind. After
all, isn't that what summer vacation is
supposed to be all about?! ESCAPE!
Positive vibes aside, one has to admit
that too much of a good thing is still
exhausting. Hence I'll admit that the
prospect of a summer full of visitors
and reunions could be overwhelming.
That's why I plan to take one day at
a time and savor it all. We've no idea
what could happen next. Here today,
gone tomorrow! So rather than sit at
home alone we will gladly share our
world. It's time to celebrate life. And
what better way to do it than visiting
with those we love! See you soon!
