2017 has turned out to be a very special Christmas, indeed. It started out with my son, who hasn't been home in about a year and a half, showing up at the house on the 22nd. He'd just returned to his home in Reno, NV from a two month stint in Puerto Rico. He'd been on the island helping with the clean-up and restoration of the cell phone service which was disrupted by Hurricane Erma. Ben's flying east and arriving in time for Christmas was a pleasant surprise for his mom and me, and our extended family.
On the 23rd, there was a family Holiday gathering at my eldest daughter's home. For the first time in 11+ years we were able to take photos of all 4 of my children together. This is a picture we'll cherish forever. The party was congenial and fun for everyone. Only my grandson, Dylan, was unable to attend. Sadly, he had to work.. We all missed him very much.
On the twenty-fourth, my wife's sister and her partner showed up for Holiday cheer and a grand old gab-fest. Jayne and John are such a pleasure to be around, with their interesting life on a farm in rural Upstate NY. Of course, it was an excellent time to compare the lives we all lead, and how widely varied they are within the same family. We have full time farmers, students, business owners, civil servants, engineers, and most puzzling to some of us, the Mennonite/Amish contingent.
It's heartwarming to all of us that we all get along so well, and understand each other's choices. Even though we're from different societies, religious and political beliefs, we all love one another equally.
This is notable to me because I hear the stories people tell about family gatherings and Holiday meals that are uncomfortable and often contentious. I realize that this happens, but I'm glad that our lives have room for everyone to have their differences and still be loved. I credit our ancestors' child rearing abilities, and our ability to carry on those ways, so that they have trickled down to our children. Hopefully, with lessons learned from us, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will grow to be tolerant and loving of their families ad infinitum.
Now, it's Christmas Day. It's a small gathering consisting of Meg, myself and our 2 progeny. Ben and Ashley are here for presents, dinner, and companionship. Ashley's boyfriend, Bob has joined us, and it's nice to welcome him into the fold.
Having chronicled this Holiday Season, so far, it's time for me to shut the computer off and get a seat in the family circle.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a truly warm and wonderful Christmas experience.
On the 23rd, there was a family Holiday gathering at my eldest daughter's home. For the first time in 11+ years we were able to take photos of all 4 of my children together. This is a picture we'll cherish forever. The party was congenial and fun for everyone. Only my grandson, Dylan, was unable to attend. Sadly, he had to work.. We all missed him very much.
On the twenty-fourth, my wife's sister and her partner showed up for Holiday cheer and a grand old gab-fest. Jayne and John are such a pleasure to be around, with their interesting life on a farm in rural Upstate NY. Of course, it was an excellent time to compare the lives we all lead, and how widely varied they are within the same family. We have full time farmers, students, business owners, civil servants, engineers, and most puzzling to some of us, the Mennonite/Amish contingent.
It's heartwarming to all of us that we all get along so well, and understand each other's choices. Even though we're from different societies, religious and political beliefs, we all love one another equally.
This is notable to me because I hear the stories people tell about family gatherings and Holiday meals that are uncomfortable and often contentious. I realize that this happens, but I'm glad that our lives have room for everyone to have their differences and still be loved. I credit our ancestors' child rearing abilities, and our ability to carry on those ways, so that they have trickled down to our children. Hopefully, with lessons learned from us, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will grow to be tolerant and loving of their families ad infinitum.
Now, it's Christmas Day. It's a small gathering consisting of Meg, myself and our 2 progeny. Ben and Ashley are here for presents, dinner, and companionship. Ashley's boyfriend, Bob has joined us, and it's nice to welcome him into the fold.
Having chronicled this Holiday Season, so far, it's time for me to shut the computer off and get a seat in the family circle.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a truly warm and wonderful Christmas experience.
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