Family

During a recent conversation I happened to mention that I love having all my children living at home. I said that I know eventually that will end but that I would be quite happy living in a multigenerational home, sort of like the Waltons on TV. The person I was having the conversation with looked at me like I had three heads but I really meant what I said. When my Father was young he lived with his parents and his grandparents under the same roof. When my mother-in-law was young she lived with her parents and both sets of her grandparents. It seems like it was the way of life back then. But it isn't so much anymore. I could write a whole article on why, but that will be for another time.

Right now I have a wonderfully full house. Matthew's precious girlfriend, Gabe is home from university and staying for a few days in his room, while he is happily on the couch. And we have our newest addition to our family here for a visit too. Verny, or Laverne is Benjamin's girlfriend and while she is originally from Newfoundland, she has been living in Edmonton, Alberta for the past thirteen years. Twenty-three days ago she emailed me and asked if it was alright if she came for a surprise visit. She asked us not to tell Benjamin because she wanted it to be something special for him. So for 23 days we have all kept this secret from Benjamin with great anticipation.

Gabe picked her up at the airport yesterday and by afternoon we had our family complete. We have seven people under one roof and two dogs. We have one bathroom but we make out fine. I like having everyone together. I love family. I love having everyone around the table and I love cooking for everyone. I love the multiple conversations going on at the same time and I love the laughter and teasing that goes on. That's family. When a house is full it's a blessing.

You might be reading this and thinking that I am in for a big fall when I finally have an empty nest and you're probably right. Unlike a lot of moms, I am not looking forward to that day. I like, and have always liked, having my kids around me. I was also one of those rare moms who dreaded the first sleepover and the first day of school. I don't understand moms who count down the days in August until school starts again for another year. I just don't get it. I like being with my kids and now that they're adults, I like the people they have become. Our sons have chosen beautiful girls with sweet, kind, compassionate and considerate personalities who have only added to our family. I love them both.

I've been told that it's inevitable that our children will leave and move on to their own lives and while I know that, I know that I am going to miss having the hustle and bustle of everyone being at home together. I have always wanted home to be a welcoming place, where everyone feels welcome, where everyone is family whether they are blood related or chosen.

The Bible tells us that children are a heritage from the Lord and I believe that. He has blessed us abundantly and He continues to with the additions He has brought into our family. I know that some day He will send a young man Alannah's way who will love her as much as her brothers' girls love them. I am sure he will complete the tapestry of our family and become woven into the fiber of our family as if he has always been here because he will have been chosen by the Lord.

When our children were born we began praying for their future mates and when they were old enough to understand we encouraged them to seek the Lord's guidance in choosing a mate. There have been heartaches and from those heartaches wisdom has grown and the Lord has lead and He has been slowing rounding out and adding to our family.

  Children are a heritage from the LORD,
   offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
   are children born in one’s youth. Psalm 127:3-4

It all began when two people fell in love and started a family.

Benjamin and Verny.

Matthew and Gabe.

Alannah.