You Matter

  I would simply like to state how truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful family and such a great group of friends.  There is more to learn than could be learned in a  lifetime but I am grateful for each and everyone of you who teaches me.  As my cousin reminded me, so I remind you, that you too matter.  You have all changed my life in some way, and thus you matter.
  This past week I had the opportunity to reminisce about old memories as well as make some new ones.  I was able to experience the trill of a jet-ski for the first time, laughing and smiling.  I was able to watch yet another amazing sunset, though sadly no pictures this time.  Basically I got to spend an evening with wonderful people and that is exactly what the heart and mind needs.
  I know you are all curious about which states I got to see this week, so here is the count....Ohio (of course, though it is rather big when traveling north to south), West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and just across the boarder into South Carolina.  Add that to Oregon (where I started the year) and Pennsylvania (my previous trip) and my count is up to 7.  Considering there are 50 states, this percentage is not very good, but have no fear we shall do some driving this weekend as well.
  Here is where I must do a little bragging about my family.  The whole reason for driving to Charlotte was to visit my Uncle, Aunt, 3 cousins, and 3 second cousins.  My mom and I also drove my grandparents down so they could visit the family as well.  Some of my cousins I have not seen for years, and we simply start up where we left off.  We fill each other in on the gaps in our lives, and then right away get to playing games, and of course there is always laughing.  We share fond memories and and talk late into the night.  We also get to share a room in an empty house on the corner!  Basically we all get along, enjoy each other's company, and look forward to the next time we are together stating that the previous visit was too short.  I certainly hope that my brothers and I can coordinate so that our hypothetical children might also be able to have a group of cousins all within 10 years of each other.  Playing games, watching the Olympics, talking, having yard game tournaments, picnicking, and simply having fun consumed my weekend.  After church Sunday we piled into the car and headed back to the north.  Next weekend we shall continue the adventure north with an eastern direction added in!