Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Family-A Balm for the Soul

This past weekend I had the opportunity to reconnect with family that I had not seen in about thirty years! I had a wonderful time getting acquainted with my cousins from my dad's side of the family. Now that I know they are only a few hours away I plan on visiting more often! I thank my cousin Melody and her little boy Nadji for sharing her home with me for the weekend. I thank my cousin Fred for being a welcoming and gracious host and for grilling all that food! And all the rest of you- I thank you for welcoming us with open arms. I have been missing a large piece of my family for years and now it is stitched back together!

One of the "demons" of my depression is loneliness. Feeling completely and utterly alone in the world, even when I know that isn't true. Staying connected to others helps keep the depression away, but sometimes even in the middle of a room full of people I can feel alone.

God, in His goodness, has brought me more family that I can reach out to in times of need. God already showed me that He has put good, godly friends in my life here to help me and now in His wisdom, love, and mercy He has returned me to family.

The reunion was nothing fancy. Just a large BBQ at my cousin's house with a lot of family. We were missing some people, but hopefully next year we will be able to get everyone together. Especially my dad and Aunt. That would be a blessing for everyone!

The amazing thing was that my niece and nephew, who are usually shy and take a long time to warm up to people were extremely comfortable. We barely saw my nephew as he just ran around playing with the kids all day. And my niece, although she didn't have anyone her age to talk to and sat next to my sister a lot of the time, felt comfortable enough to comfort crying babies/toddlers that she barely knew. They didn't even want to come home!

Weston Cousins, thank you for accepting us into your lives like we were never gone. I am already planning the next visit!