All in the Family

My mother had 3 kids in 3 1/2 years. The thought of putting my body through that, sends it into shock. But that was how we grew up; like stair steps. (until my brother outgrew my sister, which happened pretty early on) Despite the unavoidable sibling bickering, we still managed to play together those early years. My sister Beth tells the story of how we used to play Star Wars. She, of course, was Princess Leia, Bryan acted as Hans Solo, and I played the role of "baby storm trooper." Then of course there are the memories of "baptizing" our dolls in the bathroom sink. What Catholic child does not share in this? And who could forget the ten plus hour drives to and from Pennsylvania in the back of the station wagon.? The three of us would cram in like sardines; constantly shifting in the hopes that somehow a comfortable position would possibly be found.
Fast forward.
My sister has two beautiful little girls. They are both special and unique, yet both have unmistakable likenesses to my sister. I had the pleasure of having her girls stay with me for a week this summer. At times, as I looked into one of her daughters' eyes or listened as they spoke, I felt like I was being pulled back 25 years to the days of those cramped back seats. I saw things in her girls that I didn't remember I knew, and wouldn't have expected to be refamiliarized with. As different as my nieces are from my sister, as well as each other, the commonalities they share are incredible.
It really is an amazing thing, that our children carry with them so much of us. They are literally pieces of who we are. Their children will be pieces of them. For better or for worse, we do go on.
As I look back on the hundreds of pictures I took of my 4 children as well as my sister's two, I see two parrallel childhoods; the one I shared with my siblings, and the one our children will share together. The gift of family truly transcends the here and now. Family, no matter how often you are with them, how readily you accept them, or how strong the bond, is always within you. The thought, really should inspire us all to be the type of family that anyone would chose.

Catharsis

I have never been a "nature-y" type of person. I can appreciate the beauty in the outdoors, but it is usually quickly replaced with the fear that an unwanted critter is going to come out from under a log and "get me." I prefer to enjoy the less dirty/buggy confines of the great indoors.
Despite my aversion to all things nature, I have an uncommon adoration of the ocean. This has not always been true. As a child, I was terrified of the ocean, (see above reasons) and would often spend entire beach trips asleep on a towel. But as an adult, I have become almost mesmerized by the power and tranquility of this absolutely uncontainable entity. I can sit on the shoreline and stare out into the everlasting waters for entire days. I get lost out there. I think about nothing and everything. There is a strength and a calmness there, that I believe does not exist anywhere else outside of the kingdom of God. I am so thankful every time I am able to experience that beauty.
At least once a year, I find it necessary to make the pilgrimage if for nothing else than to recharge my mental batteries. I find nothing else to be anywhere near as cathartic. I return from my trip with a new vigor to take on what comes to me; a strength only possible through those healing waters.
Thankfully we were able to spend time in the Gulf this summer. I, as always, am ready to take the world on now...at least until next time.