Eva, January. Ryan, February. Mitchell, March. Three children, three birthdays, three very different people. Each, our greatest blessing. Thirty-four years ago, we began a journey together, hoping that we would be blessed with children. A year into our marriage, we welcomed a beautiful daughter. Two years later we brought home a son and then six years later we had another son. These three children would complete our family...at least for a time.
25 years after our last child was born, our family has now added a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, two granddaughters and seven grandsons. Additionally, over the past three decades we've had the good fortune of having three foreign exchange students live with us. Staying for a year, we first had Rabea from Germany, then Akiyuki from Japan and then Woon Chul from Korea. Rabea is married to Ingo and they have a beautiful little girl. Akiyuki is also married and they have one son with another child on the way. We include these "foster" children and their families as extensions to our amazing family tree.
Along the way, we've hosted young men and women from around the planet that have stayed in our home for just a few days from time to time, capturing our hearts and teaching us valuable lessons of tolerance and understanding of other cultures. Crossing our threshold many times have been family members and friends that have touched us, taught us and treated us with amazing love and respect.
There have been times when there were difficult times. We've experienced disappointment, sadness and even heartache within the walls of our home. We've felt the sting of death and divorce. Times of illness and sadness and even despair have touched us. Again, valuable lessons and amazing growth for each of us that have occupied this life journey.
We have several decorative signs of affirmation in our home. One that I have seen in several stores (one that we do not have ourselves) says..."All because two people fell in love..." I reference this because it fits for us.
All because Ann and I fell in love...three children...now three incredible adults...with families of their own...many others...along our path...yes, all because two people fell in love.
Happy Birthday Eva. Happy Birthday Ryan. Happy Birthday Mitchell. Happy Birthday day...Greg, Heather, Erin, Dennis, Isaac,Caitlin, Kaleb, Clark, Sophia, Samson, Liam, Mclain, Rabea, Ingo, Akiyuki, Yumi, Woon Chul...and so many others...just so many that have added to our journey.
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