Families are Forever!

Today I learned that the 10-year old son of good friends finally succumbed to cancer. Yes, everyone knew this day was inevitable but the reality and finality is overwhelming! He was an incredibly brave young man. I last saw him two weeks ago and he gave me a “high-five” with a smile on his face as he rolled by in his wheelchair. His pain now over he is at peace!
After hearing the news, I thought of my own journey and looked back into a journal entry I made in 2007. I am sharing it here. The lack of names is intentional for my own peace of mind in this electronic world in which we live. You’ll know who they are.
I am thankful for my parents, who raised me the best they could. And for a mother that brought me into this world and loved me. For a father that taught by example. I am thankful too for my brother and sister. They live several hundred miles but I think about them and often wish that we were closer.
I am thankful to my mother and father-in-law for raising a beautiful daughter that I had the pleasure to meet and marry. I am so thankful for my wife. She means the world to me and is the most awesome person I've ever known! She has the natural instinct to always reach out to others at just the right moment and for the right reason. I love her so very much!
I am thankful for my son and daughter. A father could not wish for better children. I am so proud of their individual accomplishments. It gives me great joy to see them as adults and the way they conduct their lives. I love them both so very much!
I am thankful for my son and daughter-in-law, the respective spouse's of my children. What fantastic people they are. I love them both.
I have been blessed with six amazing grandsons (and the first granddaughter is arriving soon) that are the joy of my life! Here is a little about each of them:
When my first grandson was born I remember vividly has dad pushing down the hospital corridor to the room to meet his mom. He was so fresh and then I got to hold him! Oh wow, I love this kid already! He is a big boy now and plays baseball and soccer. Like his dad and papa his is becoming quite a pitcher. Additionally, he is very kind and considerate and has tender feelings for those around him.
Grandson two was much different with his blonde hair and blue eyes. Early in his life he had some physical challenges and on one occasion we nearly lost him. Nana wanted to drive over to our son’s house and I wanted to mow the lawn. Moments later she ran out screaming that something was wrong. I made the trip across town in record time and got to the hospital just as the ambulance did. My knees got weak when I went in and saw the entire trauma team working on him. All I could do was pray that he would be okay. Fast forward and he is now an excellent scholar and ballplayer. I am so thankful for him.
Grandson three (my daughter’s first) is an amazing energy filled kid! I really think he is in motion even when he is asleep! He is inquisitive and focused. He gives me all the scores for MLB, NBA, and NFL in addition to providing weather reports for where not only we live but also where our other family member live. He is playing his first season of T-ball and if not playing baseball can usually be found shooting baskets in the backyard.
Grandson four (my son’s third) reminds me of a bulldog. He is a very determined young man not to be outdone by his two older brothers. Like all so far he is developing his skills as a baseball player and loves to play “home run derby” in competition with his brothers. He has an amazing sense of humor too. For my birthday, he told Nana that he wanted to get me something really special. He picked it out too … a lovely purple tutu!!! We all had a great laugh!
Grandson five (my daughter’s second) is amazingly bright. Nana calls him a problem solver. He just has a knack for figuring things out. If he needs something instead of asking for help he gets his stool, climbs up and gets what he is after. Pretty darn good for a three year old! He loves to ride his bike and play with all his cars (lots of them). Like his big brother, he loves wrestling with his dad.
Grandson six (my son’s number four) has become quiet the curious fellow since they moved into their new home. We get reports all the time of the things he is doing that his older brothers never tried. Many times we see him in action via photograph and he is usually smiling ear to ear with that “I told you I could do this” look! He can climb up on just about anything. He is a no fear kid for sure!
What can I say about the first granddaughter? She is almost here and I do believe she has more clothing than I do already. It is going to be exciting to see her join the family and interact with all these boys! I hope they are ready for her to be in charge!!!
So dear family you truly “light up my life” and I must say that I have been abundantly blessed! Thank you all so much for making my life better than I would have ever imagined!