Friday, May 11, 2012

The gift of family

“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.”  Bishop Desmond Tutu

Pondering Bishop Tutu’s quote, I realize my family is preparing to grow and tomorrow marks that special day.  My oldest son, Ben, will take Ashley Brynn Emmanuel’s hand in marriage and a daughter-in-law will be added to my family.  As the quote says, you don’t choose your family and although I didn’t choose Ashley, I am thankful that Ben did; welcome to my family Ashley and thanks for the addition Ben!

Speaking of family, I just spent 10 days with my youngest son, Joshua, and I am thankful he joined me on the first leg of my Venzaliner journey (1,675 miles). We shared good times…
Chasing frogs near Lake Phelps (second largest lake in NC) and climbing in giant cypress trees

Touring an Antebellum Plantation, Somerset Place, at Pettigrew State Park, NC

Watching kites fly high over the skies of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and checking out several of the lighthouses on the Outer Banks
Taking a moonlight walk through the sand dunes to the Atlantic Ocean at Oregon Inlet Campground
Spotting the wild horses of Assateague Island and watching them take over campsites  
Admiring a robin feed her babies above the Aliner at Cape Henlopen in Lewes, Delaware
Driving the Venzaliner onto the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a 17-mile ride across the Delaware Bay
Checking out a WWII bunker at Cape May Point State Park
Being the lone campers at Atsion Campgrounds at Wharton State Park, NC
Visiting Ashley’s family in Glenmoore PA (thanks Bill and Patti for allowing us to campout in your driveway!)
Other awesome family news…Jake and his fiancée, Amy, found a place to live in Cincinnati and Jake landed a job starting June 18.  Congrats Jake & Amy!

STOP and listen…life is short and each day is special; take a moment to give thanks for your gift of family!

P.S. Happy Birthday Ashley!


1 comment:

  1. Hi Judy your pictures look like you are having a grand time! How is your Aliner doing? I confess I am heading the ssme way!!!! Keep us informed on your where abouts!!!
    Tracey

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