"Bookends"

Yesterday was my youngest child Jane's birthday.  There are 10 years between our oldest and youngest children.  Danielle is now 28 and our baby Jane is now 18.  The "Bookends"  We always called them this because, they looked so similar at birth, and their personalities were the same, and once we had Jane, we knew our family was complete.

Yesterday, I also spent the morning with my oldest brother Kevin (who was here visiting from Texas), my parents, my sisters Kerri and Kristin, and my youngest brother Kenny.  (We missed you at Friendly's Keith, my other brother who lives in Washington). So interestingly enough, I spent the day with my parents "Bookends", their oldest and youngest child. 

The books in between my bookends: Danielle (Michael, Ryan,Mary) Jane and the books in between my parents bookends: Kevin (Kelly, Kerri, Keith, Kristin) Kenny, make up years of stories, years of treasured memories, years of laughter and tears, joys and sorrows.  Like any book on your bookshelf, they all tell a story.

At breakfast with my parents and siblings, we all shared some memories and had some laughs.  As we were getting ready to leave, my brother Kevin said that these "moments" the unexpected gathering of family members, the business trip that brought him here for a quick visit, or any moment that we as a family are able to see each other, no matter how long the time is....these are the "moments" we should cherish.

I agree with my brother.  I am very fortunate right now in my life, that very often, I am able to get all five of my children together around my table to share stories, laughter, and the sheer joy of being all together at the same time, but I know this is not always going to be that easy.  As my children continue to grow, they will have families of their own, and they will be spending time at their own homes and tables surrounded by their children, and making their own new "moments" to cherish. 

Life is a forward progression, and this is how it should be, so that is why when I get the chance to see one of my siblings, if even for a short visit, I cherish it, and I carry that snapshot of our time together in my heart.  I have the memories of our childhood in my heart, and it is fun to relive some of those memories with my siblings when I see them, but I am also happy for them, that they are making their own new memories, "moments" and stories with their own families. The circle of life goes on.

I know it saddens my parents to see their children leave after a visit with them, but I am grateful that they have each other and their health.  I see my parents now, and I see myself and Donnie in them.  As Donnie and I become empty nesters, I see that it is hard to let your children go, but if you've done your job right, then your children are supposed to move on, and all you can wish for them, is that they are happy, and that they continue to create new stories for their own bookshelves.  The bookshelves that will be filled with books made up of childhood memories, and the memories that they will make with their own families one day.

Bookends and the books in between, the stories of a lifetime.  Cherish the "moments", and when you do have the chance to spend time with whether it be one sibling, all your siblings, your mother and father, grandparents, or any family member, take the time to relive the old stories, make new stories, and continue to fill your bookcase full of the stories of life.

On my bookshelf right now, there is only one Bookend....because I have a lot of stories yet to write, and fill with memories, and cherished moments.   I hope one day when my final Bookend gets placed on the bookshelf, that my bookshelf will be overfilled with stories of love, and happiness, joys and sorrows, ups and downs, but a Story that will live on in the memories of my children, their children and their children's children....the circle of life, a forward progression.