Weddings, Funerals and Other Times, Too!

Nuclear Family

I have proof that families actually can get together for functions other than weddings and funerals. Last weekend, my sisters and brother collected ourselves from across the country and descended upon my parents house to celebrate Mom's birthday.

Even cooler, it was not one of those "significant" birthdays (those ending in 0's or 5's). It was a birthday and we decided to make Mom's wish come true for all four of us to be gathered in one place, with her at her house, on her birthday.

Yeah, OK, I needed a little prodding from my wife--but it worked out fabulously. And it was good to see my siblings in a non-threatening setting for a couple of days. We have become a bit distant, in more than just the geographic sense. Getting together for a fun and not somber occasion--with just us, was awesome.

The Fun Slightly Extended Family

And it made a birthday wish come true for a woman of faith and strength.

What could be better than that?

Nothing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD