All Together Again

All Together Again

Last month our whole family made a pilgrimage to Portland to celebrate Shaun’s fortieth birthday. Katie flew up to Bozeman from Nashville. Along with Tim the four of us drove west to Oregon. Nick and Jackie and their three kids blazed a trail down the Interstate arriving hours ahead of us. David, our son-in-law, took the easy route by flying.

Shaun and Ansley have a beautiful home nestled in the rural area of St. Helens about 30 miles northwest of Portland. With plenty of yard and woods, it was a private park for the Semsch family reunion. Although the sleeping and bathroom facilities were a little cramped for thirteen of us, there was enough good will and patience to make it through five days of communal living.

The grandkids had a great time. From dawn till dusk they were making the most out of their time with the cousins. Uncle Shaun and Aunt Ansley made sure there was enough kid food (lots of snacks and drinks) to keep them fired up. There were two battery powered kid cars that kept them mobile across the big back yard. Shaun got out the riding lawn mower, attached the plastic winter sled, and gave them thrills by the minute. The half dozen laying hens provided not only the daily supply of fresh eggs for breakfast but also a challenge to catch and pet.

What a joy it was to have the whole family together under one roof again. Our children are grown adults with their own lives and families. Sitting back and watching them brought joy to my heart and some tears to my eyes. I know this is not always the case with family gatherings but I confess that the Lord continues to bless Judy and I with a large family of friends.

When our kids were growing up we would often sing this little ditty. Now when I bring it up our adult kids roll their eyes. What it says is true: “We can be a family of friends, a family of friends. Oh we can be a family of friends.  WE CAN BE A FAMILY!”