Operation Staying Connected to our Family

Our family has a wonderful story and we have to keep it going. It used to be if you wanted to send a message to someone who lived some distance from you, (in writing), you wrote it down, put it in an envelope, addressed it and dropped it in the mailbox. Time was involved. Time it took to get from point A to point B. I remember running to the mailbox hoping and excited that there might be mail for me. I never got mail really except on my birthday. Every year on or about Nov 15 there would be two birthday cards I knew would always be there. One from grandma Dottie and one from grandpa and grandma Vernie. I also knew in the card from grandma Dottie there would be a twenty dollar bill and in grandpa and grandma's there would always be a check for $25. Have you ever heard of "cloud 9"? Well, that was what I walked on for days after my birthday. First of all knowing it was all about me right then and second trying to figure out what I could spend my money on. LOL Those day ended several years ago when my grandma Dottie passed away, 1992 and when grandma had her stroke in 2001. But the joy I remember when I think back every Nov 15th of running to the mailbox comforts me in a way nothing else can. There are other memories and other people who bring me great joy and love and that is why in this day and age of technology I have set out to connect with my extended family. By passing hoopla of the "snail mail" and getting instant gratification without running to the mailbox-who knows I may fall down and get hurt at my age. hahahaha There is also the excitement tied to "you've got mail" and the idea that indeed there is still someone out there thinking of me and I don't have to have another birthday to have that happen.
So I ask you to join me in, "Operation Staying Connected to our Family", post your prayer request, blessings, random thoughts, life updates, pictures, and videos and join me in while my family sets up our new home in Africa, Chris applies to college, Meghan goes to ShangHai for her study abroad, Sarah's senoir year and Jared's dream of being the only child coming true this summer!

From my heart to yours- I love you!