Sunday, July 17, 2011

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 =)

10 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. The value of anything, yea anyone, increases at the thought of loss. I think we grow used to having them and forget to be grateful. Kind of like employment . . . we rarely get excited to go to the same job everyday, but mention the idea of getting laid off and the value of said job goes way up! We must remember to be grateful, always, for everything, to Him and only Him who has provided all.

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  3. We have been praying for your family....what a special bunch you all are!
    I grew up with some of your Ohio family....way before I knew any of you. Seems funny!
    Thankful for the good update lately. Blessings to you all!

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  4. Many prayers have been lifted up for Virginia, and family this past week. She's never far from my thoughts, so I know only by the grace of God are you and your family able to cope during this critical time.
    Beth, you did get the gene!!! It's evident all over Aria Gardens :)! Nice writing and great pictures!
    I'm praying that Virginia makes great progress today! Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Have a great day Beth, being there for everyone! Please take some "Beth" time, too! :) XO

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  5. We can't live our lives in fear of losing a loved one but it is good to remember what a precious gift our family is and to not take it for granted.

    Continuing to pray for your Aunts and Grandma! Love you and your wonderful family

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  6. Hehe...then you have two sisters also. Nice post. Love to you and your family today.

    SK

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  7. Your life is filled with beautiful, godly women whose gifts have brought beauty to many of our lives...you carry on their example well, Beth!
    Praying for you all~

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  8. Amen Chris...and I'm so thankful for you...maybe another post sometime =) Watch out for Sarah and her camera! snicker =)

    Autumn...I assume you my U. Kurt and A. Anne? Or Grandma K?

    Thank you, April, Kristen, Amy, Sharon, Carolyn and Holly...for your kind comments, but most of all, for your prayers...We have really seen them make a difference!

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