Treasure

Two years ago my mother finished transcribing and compiling my grandfather's World War One diary which consists mostly of the time he spent in France and the trip there. That summer she made a copy for each of his 7 children and 13 grandchildren. Included in the booklet were copies of photos he had taken, postcards he purchased, letters he sent home, and related documents like his draft notice and supply list. What a treasure.
My grandfather met another young man from northern Michigan in his company before they departed for France. In his diary he writes about the pledge these two young men made to each other, that if one of them did not return, the other would look after that soldier's family. He also writes about the sister his friend described, and his desire to seek her out after the war. His friend contracted pneumonia in France, and James (my grandfather) helped care for him till they reached a place where he could receive medical attention. But it was to late to save his life. James kept his promise to his friend, and the sister he expressed interest in... she was my grandmother.
Shalom

Cousins

When the highschoolers backpacked the Jordon river valley in northern Michigan last month they spent one night on my cousin's property. That was where my mother grew up, and is now owned by my first cousin Jack. Jack and I are the same age and were in the same class a year or two in elementary school. I have 13 first cousins.
At a family get together on that property a few years ago Julie first discovered some cousins, though they are second cousins. I think she felt she was missing out on something. You see my children have only one first cousin, she is ten years older than Julie and lives in Oklahoma. Julie has only met her a few times. My father's extended family has frequent reunions, and Julie has been to many of those, but it seems there are mostly adults there.
So here's to family and the way it enriches our lives
Shalom

Is summer over?

I love the weather this week, and looking foreword to more next week when I have a better schedule. Mosley makes sure we get to enjoy all kinds of weather, walk is his favorite word. Is summer really over? This feels like the weather we often have at Cedar, mild days and cool nights. So this is the mariners cove lodge at night.
I am not really ready to be back in the school routine, though a little structure is probably better for me.
Enjoy the holiday weekend
Shalom