Lyrics from the 1979 mega hit by Sister Sledge, We Are Family: "Just let me state for the record We're giving love in a family dose"

Blended family gathering to honor mom on her 90th birthday!

Good morning and welcome to one and all on this work-week-ending Friday, May 4, 2018. It is the work ending day of the week for me. I am well aware that many work all kinds of hours and days in order to keep this world running. There is one of those urgent care type facilities that I pass each day on my way to work. It is one of those satellite types of operations. Some mornings, I see the parking lot nearly full of cars, just after 3:30 a.m. Someone is working to take care of those needs, 24x7, and Fridays may not mean that much to them. But, I am thankful for this day. I am on a one day of vacation hiatus. My brother, Victor, and I, along with our wives are meeting up over in Louisiana to take care of some estate related business. We love spending time with these folks. Mom and dad probably never knew their huge blended clan would become close, but, across the board, this just seemed to happen. My mom used to tell me they were not only surprised how dad's kids and her kids all seemed to enjoy being together, but, how it was also a huge blessing to them. I don't think any of us could have predicted this to be how it would work, but, I agree with my mom and think it was a God thing. We give Him thanks that our love and appreciation for family continues to this very day.

Yesterday, I mentioned my mom's birthday. Ten years ago I was recovering from knee surgery but I wrote several paragraphs about this remarkable woman. Here is an excerpt from my blog, published on May 2, 2008, "In thinking about being thankful and hearing my wife tell everyone at the surgery center how they have no idea how stubborn and determined I am, I rise up to thank God for all that He has arranged to make me who I am today. That includes the very wonderful and loving mother I have who will celebrate her 84th birthday tomorrow. Whatever fortitude and grit I have pales in comparison to this remarkable woman who has stared more heartaches, grief, and challenge in the face than most folks will ever know or experience. Our youngest son has told me several times how that being a parent and dealing with life has caused him to appreciate the strength and character God has shown through his Granny, my mom."

This has been some week for me. I used to tell the managers that worked for me I had no time for burn out, but, I wouldn't mind it being said that I had burned up in the pursuit of the life and work God had given to me. Weird? They mostly thought the same thing. I bet some of them are still talking about one or more of our memorable experiences. Like the time I was lecturing them on changing their perspective. To prove my point, I climbed up in my chair and put myself in the middle of a large round conference table. I changed my perspective and my vision. I got up there and it did have the intended effect. I could tell by the look on their faces. However, what happened next was one of those 'Houston, we have a problem' moments. I was standing in the middle of the table but I couldn't get down. Whichever way I stepped, the table wanted to flip. Okay. So, I do occasionally have a misstep. They had to help me down. I should have given them a lesson at that moment on people helping each other. Hindsight. They did their best not to laugh out loud, but, I'm quite sure that little example is still being talked about. Along with many others. And, well they should. We all are put here to make a difference, not to be invisible. A difference, for time and eternity. Okay. I think I'm done for today. Enjoy your Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. May God watch over us all is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.