Joy

Today  I walked around overwhelmed by the goodness of God.  I read some sad news stories but decided today to look away, there would be time to think of that tomorrow, today I just wanted to live in gratitude.  An amazing thing happened this weekend. My whole first family was together.  Who knows if it will ever happen again since my father is in poor health.  But yesterday, it happened.  I am one of 6 children with 5 half-sisters. So that makes 11.  Yesterday, all six of my brothers and sisters were there (with our divorced parents)  and 3 of my half-sister’s and their children.  It was remarkable.Without getting into details in the things in life that bog us down, it will suffice to say that it was a day of happiness and maybe some healing.   No overtures except the genuine, “I love you(s)” that were repeated over and over.  The smiles and hugs of a group of people who have come full circle and are living in a place of forgiveness and acceptance and gratitude.  It was a little ironic that my one brother who is at every family event was not at this one until the end.  Just in time to get a picture of all of us (and the dog we always wanted).  But then, maybe he didn’t need to be.  He has always been the first to accept everyone as they are.  It doesn’t always come as easy for the rest of us.Every one of us love each other, we always have.  That could never change.  But yesterday, we got a rare gift (and on my sister’s birthday, no less) to love each other on a beautiful summer day in the Adirondacks. I am still laughing at the events of the day…and I miss them already.I also was blessed enough to see my nieces and nephews…not all, but several.  I had some happy children because they adore their cousins. The kid activity and laughter and fun was beautiful and as life should be.  I hope the sun keeps shining a while longer….