Finding Family

Yesterday was a day for family as we travelled the 2 - 2 1/2 hours from our home to visit Rob's father.  It was kind of a serendipity because we weren't sure if we would be able to go.  With me working, our travelling has been cut back a bit.

I really wanted to sleep in, but since Rob's relationship with his father has just been renewed after many, many years, we decided this was an important trip to make.  So, after Rob roused me from my slumber, I sluggishly got ready to go.  He loaded my laptop and a disc of pictures from our time in Mexico into the car and after coffee, poured me in as well.

Rob said that his nephew "Junior" lived not too far from his dad and he wanted to call him and reconnect as well.  This would have been easy because twice Rob has gotten the phone number from his brother.  Except, Rob lost it both times!  So since Rob was driving, I had to call his brother and admit that he lost it again.  His brother cracked up, but gave me the number.  This was kind of tricky because I didn't have a pen or pencil . . .so I used my pocket knife to scartch the number on the back of my checkbook.  As soon as we got to the restaurant, I used one of their pens to darken the number so I could have Rob call his nephew.

After lunch, we met the nephew at a freeway off-ramp and he led us to his home.  We were pleasantly surprised to see that he was living in a beautiful home with a beautiful family.  His little boy greeted us as soon as we walked through the door.  Not a bit shy, little Elias was immediately our friend.  In a few months, the little guy will have a new brother or sister.

We had a great visit, making the all-important trip to see Elias's room, playing hide and seek with him and just hearing how their lives were going.  Rob hasn't seen his nephew as a grown man, so it was a change from what his imagination held from years ago.  Though the visit was short, it held promise for a future relationship with these wonderful young people and a chance to have additional "grand-babies" to love and cherish.

From there we went along to visit Rob's dad.  This is a precious relationship.  Rob's parents separated when he was young and there was a step-dad in his life for most of his growing up years.  There wasn't any real closeness for Rob and his father.  Years ago, they just didn't agree on anything and his dad didn't want him around.  Last August, on a whim, we showed up at his front door.  Surprised, he welcomed us with open arms.  We have been in contact by phone or visit since then.

He such a special man.  He worked hard all his life, though uneducated, to support himself.  He built his own little home - the walls are about 2 feet thick - and has been there for many years.  He's lonely now.  His children are all far away and don't come to visit often.  Whatever the reasons for their separation, those times are gone and it's time to renew and refresh. 

Rob has developed such a love for this man who left so long ago that it just makes my heart swell with joy!  However long they were apart, they are truly father and son now.  He wants us to come and stay the night, but I know we won't sleep in that little house.  We have to bend to get through the bathroom door!  There's a little motel nearby and we have promised to make a longer visit soon.

After visiting "papa", we also stopped to see the last of the uncles just a block away.  He's getting older, too, but Rob has such vivid memories of him.  He tells me that he would watch him rise every morning and scrub his face.  For some reason, that memory is strong and warming to Rob.  I wish I'd had a chance to know these men when they were a bit younger.  Rob's history is tied up in them and I see glimpses into the past as we talk.

So yesteday was a family day. I am so rich!  When I married Rob, I got aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters and a father-in-law.  It may not mean much to you, but all of the older generation of my family has passed on and with them, the history of who we are.  Rob and I have living history together.  I think that's cool.

Have a great Sunday.  I know we will.  Blessings, Penny