“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:37-39, NIV)
We gathered at mom’s house in Yuma the last two days: Mom & dad, my brother and his wife (Larry & Kim), uncles & aunts (Bill & Carol, Harold & Marsha, Steve and Lana), my nephew (Michael) and his children (Ethan and Lizabella), and my cousin (Michelle).
Just a week before we leave for Michigan, many were able to come for the “big good-bye.” They traveled from Las Vegas, NV, and San Diego, Lakewood, and Temecula, CA. All who could make the trip did so.
We laughed, told stories, played cards, complained about taxes, and ate a lot of food. We hugged, we kissed, we laughed, and we cried. I installed a web cam and downloaded Skype onto my mom’s computer so she can still see my face when I am 2,015 miles away in Ann Arbor, MI.
A stranger who watched and listened would notice our imperfections. A stranger might even think we are weird. But, we are family. We are there for one another. I am so blessed to be a part of such a big and loving extended family.
I have absolutely no doubts or second thoughts about following the call of God to Michigan. But, I still cried like a baby as we left. I hugged my mom, and neither one of us wanted to let go. It’s because I will miss my family. I LOVE MY FAMILY!
Okay, logged on to the computer first thing this morning and had my first cry of the day! I think you summed up our family very well. You know just how much you will be missed, just knowing you were 3 hours away has been comforting. I will be excited to start hearing of the wonderful things that will be happening in your new church home. There are no words to tell you how much you are loved but I think you know. Mom