In social conversations I am often asked how many children I have. When I answer “nine”, it usually elicits a response of surprise. The next question is usually, how many boys and girls? The answer: four boys and five girls. I’ve been thinking about that. At one point that answer was true, but for only about 3 years between the time our youngest was born and our oldest son married. Then the more appropriate answer kept changing. Today I could say, “yes, I have 9 daughters and 8 sons” and it would be true.
I know people are talking about my immediate children when they ask… children born to us, not gifted, but as each of our precious children have married, their spouses have become “ours”. In fact the beauty of the matter is that we were able to acquire these added children without all the work and effort that went into our own. Thankfully that was done by their biological mothers. People count their adopted children as their own. It should seem only appropriate to count our “acquired by marriage” children as ours and we do.
Of course, the biological mothers and fathers always rule supreme. They are cherished by their children and fill a spot no other will ever be able to fill. But, hey, you can’t have too many people to love you and adding an additional mother and father can only bless a life. So, we offer our love and adopt these additional sons and daughters with all our hearts. Thankfully, so do all our children.
One of the greatest joys in life has been to be able to not only get pleasure from our own children as adults but to have the benefit of these additional eight young adults who joined our family and bring so much to our table. Each one is unique, just like our natural children. They have their own personalities, talents and gifts and each adds something of great value to the whole.
We find as the years pass and we watch the “give” and “take” of family life that it only gets richer with each added family member. The expansion of heart and joy goes on with each grandchild---a subject for another time!
I know people are talking about my immediate children when they ask… children born to us, not gifted, but as each of our precious children have married, their spouses have become “ours”. In fact the beauty of the matter is that we were able to acquire these added children without all the work and effort that went into our own. Thankfully that was done by their biological mothers. People count their adopted children as their own. It should seem only appropriate to count our “acquired by marriage” children as ours and we do.
Of course, the biological mothers and fathers always rule supreme. They are cherished by their children and fill a spot no other will ever be able to fill. But, hey, you can’t have too many people to love you and adding an additional mother and father can only bless a life. So, we offer our love and adopt these additional sons and daughters with all our hearts. Thankfully, so do all our children.
One of the greatest joys in life has been to be able to not only get pleasure from our own children as adults but to have the benefit of these additional eight young adults who joined our family and bring so much to our table. Each one is unique, just like our natural children. They have their own personalities, talents and gifts and each adds something of great value to the whole.
We find as the years pass and we watch the “give” and “take” of family life that it only gets richer with each added family member. The expansion of heart and joy goes on with each grandchild---a subject for another time!
Our most satisfying moments are when we see all our beloved family members enjoying one another in such a strong bond of love and friendship. When one comes into town, they all gather and celebrate together. They love being together and we love that they love it. Family reunions are spontaneous. When an invitation to gather goes out, everyone jumps at the chance to be with some of their very best friends – their “brothers” and “sisters”. What could be more joyous than that?
How very grateful I am that “Families are Forever” because I will love them forever and cherish the blessing.
1 comment:
I have always been so very thankful for how you have welcomed me into the family. I feel so blessed to call you mother!
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