A loving family

It had been too many years since the last time we could see, be with and interact as a solid family. Letters, e-mails, long conversations by phone --- both wired and cell --- had become a poor substitute for touching and watching one laugh in response.

We had come to the time and place when and where simply nothing would do but a family reunion --- all six kids and this father who got together and remembered the kids' mother who had had a previous appointment topside in heaven.

Then we sought out the miracle lady -- the travel agent --- who did the work well. They all made it --- from California, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Atlanta.

What a welcome went forth and were returned when the day of arrival finally happened! One could almost hear them telling those at home "we made it!" And I can assure you that the rafters back here at home were singing with joy. Families need to this at intervals so that it is rather like renewing family vows as do old married folk.

The expense is worth it --- being able to do a group hug with five sisters, then make room for the only son who now no longer could be made to feel outnumbered. Family treasurers emerge from memories and true paeans of love in its finest form --- family! This the very essence of a strong America and such a visit is what "HOME" means to every man -- all of us old sailors out here know about.