This past weekend my large family gathered to celebrate the man who started us all, my Dad, and honor him on his 80th birthday.

So many of us were there—his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, having flown in or driven far to be with this great man and each other. The weather hung on with a prayer, just long enough before the rains came, to be outdoors in overcast weather.  The large heaters rented last minute kept us cozy and allowed the tables, lights and decorations we’d set up, to be used and look lovely.

We gabbed together, laughed alot, and cried alot with love and deep appreciation for each other and especially of Dad and how much his role modeling has contributed to each of us.  We shared poems, special words and we sang songs.

Throughout the day a little punch was spilled, but no milk was—that is, there were no squabbles and everyone ignored any differences we may have in religion, politics, etc.  “Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts,” an unknown author once wrote. And over the years, thankfully we’ve grown and are still growing to appreciate all of our quirky sides, our differences and unique ways, and not make it mean anything. Even with each of our strong personalities, this commitment to caring allows us to continue to communicate and hang out with each other.

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