through the years

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What is it about holidays that brings life full circle, with a glimpse at the past, present and maybe the future? We had the four generations together for Thanksgiving and I am so thank ful we are still able to be together. From the youngest member, little two year old Isaac, with his whole life ahead of him and already facing tremendous challenges, to my parents in their mid 80's still loving each other and meeting the daily challenges together. Through the years the family portraits have changed along with the joys and challenges of life. I remember setting at the table with my own grandparents when I was young, feeling safe and secure and really not a care in the world.

My grandparents have been long gone and my children never got to know them and somehow I feel a loss for them. As I watched each generation interact with each other this past Thanksgiving, I realized the love that bonds a family is the glue through the years. Each generation faces their own special challenges that life brings right down to the very youngest. The older ones are dealing with aches and pains and the struggle to remain independent as their bodies age and betray them even in the simplest tasks. The littlest one is just trying to learn the most basic skills that will carry him on his journey through life. The young parents are concerned with protecting and educating their children and providing a good roof over their heads. Their lives seem full and busy today as they juggle careers, family and daily life.

I watch and reflect on this special time we shared, maybe the last time the generations will be together in just this way. I marvel at my young grandson and the changes each time I see him. I'm proud of my children and how they have grown into wonderful young people. I admire my parents who have been toghether for close to 65 years, and still kiss each other tenderly each and every morning and night. Through the years they have been the glue, the example to follow, the teachers, the parents, the grandparents adored by 3 young children and now the great grandparents whose challenges are not so unlike those of the great grandson. Life is going full circle through the years.