It’s official today. My Aunt Doris has lived to be 90. I wrote about her approaching birthday a few weeks ago in “Ready To Go”; and then about my mixed feelings over turning 60 yesterday. She posted a picture of 90 this morning—and told me to feel better about 60.

 

Beginning 70 yrs ago, seven siblings produced 27 cousins; and 25 remain. Our lives still connect and intersect, by deliberate choice; and it makes me smile when our children and grandchildren call each other cousin. It makes me smile more when our great-nieces and nephews think we’re their grandparents; and first cousins, twice removed, are called uncles.

 

I just see family; and here’s my response:

 

Doris, what I see is different from what you see in your reflection. I see family reunions when I was 5 and sand in envelopes when I was 13. I taste lemon meringue pies and hamburgers cooked in the park. I hear years of laughter over funny stories and goofy games at Christmas parties; and I remember tears at funerals. I feel kindred spirit in our love for the Lord and for husbands in heaven; and, best of all, I share anticipation that the best is truly yet to come.

 

So Happy Happy Birthday today because…

 

 

…”No eye has seen,

 

no ear has heard,

 

and no mind has imagined

 

what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

1 Corinthians 2:9

 

 

 

Family.