The Summer of Renewal

By renewal, I wish I meant of body and mind, but this renewal is of friendships and family relationships. We have not had so many people "stop by" in many years. When we first moved here, everyone came to visit, because it's a great place to visit. But it has slowed down considerably. It seems to be the year of the midwesterners coming west. Unfortunately, it's as hot here this year as it is back there, with much less humidity, at least.

I mentioned in an earlier post about my mom's cousin from Minnesota, who is no longer that much older than I. We haven't seen her and her husband in many years. It was great to reacquaint ourselves with these really wonderful people.

Then my sister's SIL came from the Chicago area. We didn't get to spend much time with her, but it's always great to catch up a bit with that branch of the family.

Of course, the big reunion has been covered by many bloggers in the past week. I finally got the laundry put away yesterday, just before the next company arrived. This is a couple also from Minnesota. I have known her since I was a young child, because her parents and mine were good friends in their youth, and we all went to Grandma's church together when we visited. They had 4 and we had 3 kids very close in ages (there were more later, but they aren't in this particular equation). We lost track of them for awhile when they changed churches, but when they became adults they came back to their roots and we reconnected. There was even a short romance between the oldest brother and myself - a really funny story involved there but far too long for today! So back to the couple who came to visit - they became engaged shortly after DC and I were married. Her engagement picture was hanging on our bulletin board - DC was reading it one day, as he was talking on the phone (multitasking), when suddenly he yelled (poor person on the other end of the phone) - "I know this guy!!" Turns out DC's dad had confirmed the groom-to-be many years ago in a little church in Minnesota - different denominations than either of the previous two mentioned. What a small world it is! We have kept in touch over the years, mostly by Christmas cards, but by occasional visits out here or back there. They haven't been here for 20 years, but it is one of those seamless friendships that pick up right where they left off.

Jim was thrilled to be able to see DC's dad, who is now 93 and not really able to participate in conversations much any more because of his hearing, but we do believe that he remembered Jim. DC's mom was so excited to see someone from the past that we could hardly get away from her assisted living home. There's nothing like old friendships!

This next week, DC's brother and family come for the other side's reunion, but we'll get to see them as well. It's good that they're coming (from Georgia) because they haven't seen the folks since for awhile and much has happened in their physical lives. They need to know.

Then Partners in Prayer is coming to visit with her son. I can't wait!!

In August, more friends from DC's past are coming from Minnesota (staying elsewhere, but we'll share that fun as well). All in all, a very fun summer. But when do I get caught up at work???!!!

I'm leaving again this afternoon for church convention - my sweet nephew is being ordained tonight. Exciting. I'm creating my next post in my mind, so will get it down on "paper" when I return.