Back in Illinois, it was just a done deal that my parents, my sister’s family, and my grandma would enjoy each and every holiday dinner at our home. That’s what comes with having a table that seats 14! I loved it. My favorite part is decorating the table. Lon usually did most of the cooking – that way everyone would want to eat. We always had a good time and the holidays felt right.
Then we moved to Bakersfield. What was I going to do for holidays? God had that all taken care of!! God taught me that there are all kinds of “families”. He has given me a big loving family – and my Easter table won’t be empty!
God found our family “adoptive” parents/grandparents. It is hard not having your mom and dad real close so God gave us the additional gift of an “extra” set of parents. Our California parents would do anything for us – they love us like we are their blood children. They pray for us, check up on us, give us parental advice, share their pool (God picked great parents – the pool is the extra), they give us hugs and kisses. They share our happy and sad times. I know they are only one call away. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for our family!
God gave us more children (ok, never asked for more but love each and everyone so much). Scott and Shelly moved to Bakersfield needing a set of California parents. Since God gave us extra parents, we wanted to be that for them. We try to be there for them whenever they need us. We have given them a place to feel safe and free to be themselves and know they will be loved unconditionally. Unfortunately, Shelly went and got herself engaged – so they don’t attend “family” dinners as much – but we are still family! God gave us a daughter who is living in Burbank, CA. She is a strong girl beautiful on the inside and out. She is trying to break into the Hollywood action while staying true and strong to her Christian convictions. She feels that God can use her in that crowd – I would believe that’s true. She emails me all the time to see how I’m doing with the cancer. I know that she would do anything for us – as we would for her.
I have my church family. They are here to support me in prayer. The people at my church are praying consistently for our family. I can feel that soooooo many prayers are coming my way regarding my cancer and treatments. I know that God is so close – and one reason is because many more than “2” are gathered in prayer for Lon, the kids, and me.
I have my “neighborhood” family. They are here to help me raise my kids – help with the daily routines – be there for the “unexpected” moments when we need extra love or help. My neighbor Michelle would do ANYTHING for our family. She watches the kids (took them over night for the operations), helps research medical stuff, shares all of her knowledge on cancer (unfortunately her family has gone through cancer), she “ripped” off my bandages (only a real friend would hurt you like that out of love), she even bought me “boobs” for my birthday present. My friend Jeanette made me that wonderful blanket. She too helps with the kids. She calls me to check up and see if I have any needs. Vickie has become like a sister. We can be ourselves – no make-up or hair! We share our intimate thoughts and feelings. We pull each other up when we are being negative and encourage each other when we are letting God control the day. We can speak in reality knowing that it is wrapped in love. Our kids love being together and we are a great big family.
I have my Christian family! I can’t tell you how many people – that I don’t know – have read my Blog and let me know that I’m in their prayers. We don’t even have to know each other but we still have the bond that God gave us all – since we all our His adoptive children. With a heart filled with God, the knowledge of the gift of salvation, and the common goal of serving God – all of us “believers” are family!
So, the Easter dinner table may not have as many people around it this year (due to other commitments and location issues), but my family is out there! I am SO blessed. For God tells us that we never have to be alone – He is with us AND the family He gives us is right there waiting in the wings! Take time to thank God for your family – your blood family and the family that God has given you! Don’t ever take that for granted AND don’t ever forget to continue to find people that are in need of a family – include them in yours!
Here’s to family! Guess it’s good my “whole” family couldn’t make it for Easter … my table that seats 14 would be WAY TOO SMALL!!