There is no greater remedy – no vaccination – no antidote – no panacea or cure than spending a day or more with those you love. We had that opportunity this week as my sister and her husband made the trek to Minnesota for a visit. Last night, the addition of our two Minnesota children and their significant others, added to the health care plan. We were surrounded with laughter, good food and stories from the past that still make us laugh our heads off. We took a few pictures. The one of my sister and me was meant to replicate the photo taken of us when we were children.

We haven’t changed much in 70 some years, and we still know how to smile for the camera. The beauty in both of these images is that our relationship over so many years has blossomed and flourished even though we live many miles apart.

One either side of our photo, are the men in our lives. My brother-in-law, Bruce and my husband Paul. Both of these men have always been the love of our lives and together we have shared multiple experiences that could create a wonderful standup routine for one of us to deliver. Each of our stories has been repeated, added to and blown out of proportion into the embellished tall tales of today, but they still cause us to laugh. I can imagine being in heaven and sharing these same life stories with others who have amazing memories from their own lives. It would be heavenly to sit around a campfire and tell them.

We’ve lived a very full life. There have been ups and downs for all of us, but we muddle through and even learn from those events that have thus far shaped us. We don’t have the pleasure of living close to each other, so the time we spend together has to be made the most of. Last night, we were relegated to the “children’s table” as the children went to the
“adult table” to eat and have a moment of freedom from our silliness.

Therapists can help revive a broken spirit. God can cause healing in times of pain or disability, but there is nothing like being with those you spent your childhood with. They’re probably the only ones who understand you, since you both shared almost everything when growing up. Except sweaters or boyfriends.