Family - Always important...but sometimes they leap the the top of Everything

We all value our family.  We would all say that they are important, and that we love them.  Yet when one member has a close brush with death...why does their perceived value escalate sharply in our minds?  There is your thought question for the day.  Remember, I don't want to lecture, a conversation is sooo much better.  And...a conversation doesn't happen unless you comment.  There...now you know how I feel about all those unexplained page views.  I have a stats board, people, I see the numbers  =)

As you probably know...I reside in a wonderful and quite unique family.  My paternal family all lives out of state.  They are wonderful.  I love them, but when you are out of state, you only spend so much time together.  Especially when plane tickets are (almost) required.  So I grew up more influenced by my maternal family.  My maternal grandfather died when I was 7.  Thankfully, even though I have a legendarily poor memory, I do remember him.  I remember his state-of-the-art-quite-small-MSDOS computer with the green screen commands.  He was an engineer for the state of CA, helped design/build the CA aquaduct, and other major public works.  I loved playing checkers with him, but he never let me beat him.  I know I played in his large garden with him,  but I can't say I remember that, just the pictures of me in the dirt.  Grandma  has been a widow for 26 yrs.  She has 4 daughters, the youngest of which married and had 3 daughters. Lots of women in my family.

Godly women who aren't afraid to teach the younger women.

They remind me regularly to value my vocation highly.

They have taught me how to give, regardless.

They have taught me how to serve the local community...selflessly.

They have taught me how to be hospitable.

They taught me how to antique  =)...oh,  I got so tired of stopping at antique stores when I was a teenager on a trip with them.   Now we drive past with our chillins and I long to just browse...(with 4 littles...are you kiddin' me? )  Go figure.   They've also taught me how to get rid of the extras (it's easy - sell it or give it away)

The list could go on for a long time.  They each have unique personalities and gifts...even if some of you get them mixed up, I never will.  I could list their lovable unique characteristics here, but it might embarrass them. Quilts, flowers, fabric, gardening, little lovely gifts, card making, scrapbooking, cooking up a delicious storm!...they are creative in many ways...brightening their homes and the lives of others.  I often complain that I didn't get the "J" creative gene. I channel mine in different ways, I've learned. (sortof)

Here are some pictures of these precious women.  Pray for them these next few weeks - that A. Virginia will continue to recover her health.  She has several hurdles, pneumonia, a ventilator, etc. Pray for the others as they are under an unusual amount of stress.  Pray for safe travels as people go up and back. Pray for peace in their hearts, and wisdom as they make a myriad of decisions.  Pray for us, that we know "when" to go.

So I told you there were a lot of females, yes?  So my maternal Grandmother has only 1 sister.  She has 2 daughters and 2 sons.  These two daughters are honorary aunts in our family.  They are so kind and always lend a touch of lovely to our family get togethers.

So, just to keep your brain spinning...my father has 3 sisters.  His mother also has 3 sisters. His father had SEVEN sisters (and one brother).  There are 20 of us first cousins on my father's side. The ratio? 15g:5b So you can see why I was pretty sure Aaron would be a girl.  Ha!  I guess our generation is introducing the boys into the works.  No, they are not quiet.  Maybe for a little while, but not for long....hmmm.

Well, I think my essay has been a bit of the wandering kind.  Kind of like my mind this week.  Flitting here and there like a hummingbird.  I saw a hummingbird today in my impatiens basket.  Ok, I'll stop =)