Families

As we accomplish the status of “Senior” it becomes quite important for us to be active and to be social. For many, family plays a role in helping to achieve this. Families can be blood relatives or chosen. I am blessed to have both in my life. One of my “chosen families” evolved from a trip to Italy in 2015.

Out of more than thirty fellow travelers, ten of us bonded closely and have had great pleasure maintaining contact over the years. Our home locations have ranged from the deep South to Mid-America and the Northwest. We exchange regular messages and e-mails and even do Zoom meetings every few weeks. We have lamented deaths and celebrated births and marriages from afar. We have visited one another in the United States. We have also experienced more memorable trips together in France, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Another joint trip will take place in a few weeks and I have to say I am really excited about seeing all my “chosen family” members again. They enhance my life immensely as well as assisting me to age happier and more gracefully.

To a point, we all need connections. Some may be relatives or some may be chosen. Some may be near or some may be far. But we need them to help us be our best.