Blessings

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       I am writing this morning in our bedroom at a resort in CanCun, Mexico. The photo on the left above is of the sunrise from the beach here yesterday morning. The one on the right is at the beach in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Sunrises are consistent, looking much the same in CanCun in 2025 as it did last year thirteen hundred miles northeast and as it has looked all over the world for thousands of years.

     Alenda and I are here with three of our four children, all five or our grandchildren, our great-grandson, and additional people in the form of friends and significant others. The total is eighteen. Unlike sunrises, our family has changed dramatically. Alenda and I both grew up in WASP families, and more or less expected our children to continue that culture. Instead, our group here consists of people from different races, ethnicities, and life styles.

      This introduction of diversity into our family is a great blessing. When I look over the group, and experience the love, respect, and caring between the members, I feel hope. If our family can accomplish this blending of backgrounds, perhaps society can do the same.

     Alenda and I are very aware of the multiple blessings God has bestowed on us. The ability to spend a few days relaxing in this resort with our family is one of them. Appreciating the difference between our family of the past and the current status is another. Looking over the age range, and realizing that they enjoy spending time with us is one more. Life is good.