Extended Family

I was 3 months out of college when I landed my first "real" newspaper job at a daily in Menominee, Mich. Sounds like it's far away, but I lived in Marinette, Wis., and merely had to cross a bridge to get into the other city and state.

However, I was about 6 hours from home and didn't know a soul.

I quickly befriended two co-workers, Cindy and Sally, and had no idea at the time they would be friends -- make that family -- for life. Since I was so far from my own family, Cindy took me under her wing and brought me home to her family gatherings in town. There were 10 grown kids in her family, so what's one more?

For my nearly 4 years living there, her mom -- who let me call her "Mom" -- graciously fed me several Thanksgiving and Easter meals, plus a few extras during family gatherings. I got to know each and every member, often reminded of my own family of 8 grown children, and they quickly became my "extended family." My family away from family. My home away from home. They were in my heart to stay.

Flash forward some 20-plus years, and the 3 of us girlfriends for life are still in touch, as best we can be, and still see each other for weddings, graduations and, unfortunately, funerals.

When I learned of Cindy's mom -- my "mom" -- passing away this weekend, I knew without hesitation I needed to get to the that funeral. This was my family and I needed to offer whatever comfort I could -- even in the form of a simple hug.

I worked some extra time the last two days to enable me to get off today and drive up there. Basically, we drove to Iola, I dropped Jim off at work and I continued on to Menominee -- exactly two hours away from our office.

Despite the sad circumstances, it was so good to see everyone again. These little kids that Cindy's siblings had "way back when" now are grown up with kids of their own. How is that they are getting older and we aren't?? Had a nice catching-up visit with both Cindy and Sally and admired the nice service for Mom. A very personal celebration of her life and faith and love for family.

I think that's why I latched on to that wonderful family. To them -- as in my own -- family is important. Spending time together is important. Being there for each other is important. So Cindy (center) is stuck with two shorter "sisters" for life! I don't think she minds. It's been 23 years and they haven't kicked me out of the family yet!

And even though "Mom" isn't around any more, she wouldn't let them!

After the funeral and luncheon, I drove through my old stomping grounds for a bit before heading back to Iola. For sure I knew I had to swing in and say hello to MY lighthouse.

It was very peaceful just to sit on the shore of Green Bay and look at it while offering up some prayers. Prayers of comfort for my extended family and prayers of joy that "Mom" can now join, among others, her husband and her son-in-law (Cindy's husband Rory), who I was blessed to know and love, too.

I love family. All of mine.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me.