In Spokane, Washington, there is often an occasion for my mom's extended family to meet together. This May, my cousin Rainee got married. A wedding is a REALLY good reason to get together and celebrate. It always turns into a mini family reunion (mini because not everyone can make it, and there are a lot of us, but many do come). It's a time to get caught up, to see all the cute kids, to laugh and dance and play. But for us, it is family time.
This year we stayed with my cousin, Callie. She went to Lee University with me for two of my four years, met her husband there, and then moved her growing family back to Spokane. It is a treat to have time with her. It is a hoot to have our husbands together because they are like reunited brothers looking for trouble. It is a delight to have our kids together! She has four, plus our three, that makes 7 ages 7 and under. They have so much fun together!! This year since they are getting a little older, it was fun to see real relationships building.
Jewel and Macie became a fast pair. She is 5, meaning she qualifies to be followed and adored by Jewel. And she deserves it...she is sweet, gentle, caring, and so thoughtful. Jewel felt very special to have time with Macie for the weekend. They shared a room, they swapped clothes, they escaped into pretending, they became friends.
Callie and I stayed up WAY too late every night, laughed good and hard, and as always we were totally connected to each other's hearts through our shared love of God. I am so thankful for her, for our relationship, and for being able to pick up where we left off no matter what and get into the heart of the matter.
I was also thankful for great big hugs. The one thing my family has always done best is to hug like they mean it. My Pake, when he sees his grandkids and great grandkids, is overcome with God's goodness. He gets tears in his eyes and grabs you in tight. While he is giving a good, snug squeeze, there is a little shake of his body. It's a sob of joy. It is Holy Spirit filled love. It is the best place to be on earth. My Beppe has battled arthritis for many years. Her body and hands show it. But it never prevents her from grabbing my arms, pulling me in to her, pressing her hand against the side of my face and giving me a firm kiss on the cheek. She always smells the same, and is always wearing a silk shirt. She is beautiful with time and holiness. She overflows God's unconditional love. There is never time between us, it's always as though she is as familiar with me as if we had coffee together every day.
My aunts and uncles are becoming this way as they make the transition into being grandparents themselves. They love on us as though we are their own kids. Uncle Cal takes Trey for a walk while I am dancing with Jewel during the reception. Aunt Shin pulls me aside to tell me how she is encouraging Daniel to talk with Jordan about his career. Uncle Palmer teases and pokes, and affirms. Jordan is in conversation with Aunt Billie, then Uncle Dan...then I see him rough housing with one of my cousins who hasn't been around much lately. He is loving on him, embracing him where he is, affirming him for being there...all in a very tough and macho way of course.
From our far corner of the northwest, sometimes we feel isolated and lonely. Sometimes we are thankful to be here so that we appreciate every opportunity for an interaction with our family. This wedding weekend we were thankful to be able to share time with the blessing of extended family.
