“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”― Marcus Aurelius.
My Joy’s family reunion seems to have been brought from Nebraska to Indiana. She is enjoying the company of a great granddaughter. The great granddaughter’s mother and two grandparents are here also.
My Joy and her great granddaughter at play
Last Sunday afternoon, our blended families gathered at my son’s and My Joy’s daughter’s house to celebrate my grand daughter’s 16th birthday party. The music provided by about 20 teenage friends was boisterous. After the cake was properly dealt with, the teenage celebrants went to a park to play. My eighty five year old Joy and her four year old great granddaughter could play on their own.
The Old Order German Baptist Brethren selecting items from menu.
One thing we enjoy at Evergreen Assisted Living is companionship at table for meals. I took pictures recently and have permission of the other three at the table to introduce them on my blog. Seated to my right is a member of the Old Order German Baptist Brethren. He is dedicated to his way of life and belief, but can communicate openly about almost everything. He is a happy man.
The retired Mennonite pastor
Across the table from me is a retired Mennonite pastor. After high school he showed his independence by enlisting in the Marine Corp. On his first day as a marine he discovered that he had made a big mistake. During his one year tenure as a marine he felt God was calling him to be a pastor. After discharge from the Marines he pursued studies in bible schools. He met Anabaptists and ended his formal studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He served as a pastor of Brethren and Mennonite Churches.
The Mennonite from Iowa
On my left is seated a Mennonite from Kalona, Iowa. We soon discovered that we both knew a pastor who served a church in Iowa. The pastor’s younger brother had moved to Tampa and raised his family there. The wife of this table mate was a native of Milford, Nebraska, My Joy’s birth place.
You may believe that the conversation among the four of us is lively because of our different experiences and our many commonalities.
Thanks for introducing us to your table mates, and letting us in on family celebrations!