Reflections on Family

This Christmas season brought with it family moments, as most holiday seasons are inclined to do. However, this year two dramatically different events have played out on social media. The first is the wedding of my cousin to her spouse and the second, coincidentally in the same family and both occurred on the same day, is my cousin's daughter fighting a very serious brain issue in ICU. Neither of which I would be aware of if it hadn't been for Facebook.

 Obviously, the wedding was a very happy event. Joining the two was actually a whirlwind decision made possible by the federal court system granting same-sex couples the right to marry in Utah. Even though Jes and Anita have been a couple for years and have an amazing son who is almost 5, their union hasn't been recognized officially until now. So, congratulations to the happy couple, I love you both and wish you a beautiful life of love and happiness.

On the other hand, the same day, Jes's older sister, Rickie, received a phone call that one of her daughters was rushed to the ICU with a brain bleed and the prognosis wasn't good. So for that branch of the family, the stress of having to secure last minute plane tickets and accommodations, became the priority. Over the past week we have received daily updates that Rachel is doing well, but still has a long road ahead toward a full recovery, however, baby steps in a positive direction are a good thing and I firmly believe in the power of prayer!

So... my point... from the high points to the low points in our lives, sometimes takes only seconds, and in today's world, it is often played out on a virtual stage. That doesn't minimize the emotional flow and the happiness or worry that we feel for our family.

Jes, Anita, and Dane... I love you and miss you and we will celebrate next time we meet.

Rickie, Kimball, and Rachel... I love you too and I pray daily for peace and your full recovery. At some point, Rachel, I really want to meet you and all your siblings, because family shouldn't be separated for so long without face-to-face contact.