A family reunion trip to Oregon Sept 19-21, 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Connecting with family can be so important, especially after many years of no contact. After many years of not seeing my brother's ex wife and children, we were invited to a party at my ex-sister-in-laws home near Portland. Hubby and I were going to go when Jack got sick and passed away. I was sad that we had to cancel going, but I was not in the frame of mind to go visiting. I decided that I didn't want this reaching out to go unfulfilled so I contacted Vicki again and let her know that I did want to see the kids and of course her. Michelle emailed me with her schedule and when she was going to have a weekend off. I scheduled the flight and plans were started. It was going to be my time to see my niece and nephews. I realized that it was going to coincide with my mom's birthday so I called her and asked if I could buy her a birthday present to go see the kids. With tickets in hand, we flew to Portland.
It was all that I had imagined and even more! It was so nice to re-connect with the kids. They have grown up to be such wonderful young adults. I hope that our connection will not stop with this visit and that there will be many many more......

A tribute to man's best friend and mine...to dogs!

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." - Gene Hill