Today I got to feeling a little melancholy. We threw a party for Rhitten’s first birthday and it was AWESOME, but I kept thinking about those in my family that could not be there for it. Yes there were a lot of people there and the party was a total success…(we will post about it soon!!) but there were a few holes. Sometimes family and friends can become distant. Life gets busy (SO busy) and schedules conflict and before you know it, months have gone by and you haven’t seen their faces. What made me the most melancholy today were the ones who are being missed because they are so far away. My sister Leigh, her husband and two precious boys, my sister Ruth…they are hours and hours away. Leigh lives on the west coast and it is not just an easy trip nor a small financial hurdle to spend time with them. But they are some of the most incredible people and some that are so incredibly close to my heart. Today, at Rhitten’s party, I remembered the last time we were able to see them…specifically the last time Rhitten and Timmy (cousins) were able to see each other, and I wanted to write about it. I want Rhittie to know his cousins and his cousins to know him.

But life gets busy (SO busy) and schedules conflict…and some are just so far away. So, today I got to feeling a little melancholy.

I hope my family that is too far away to visit more often knows how much I treasure time spent with them. I hope they know that I think of them always and have them constantly in my prayers. I hope someday the Lord has our paths more closely laid.

Friends, family is important. Don’t let distance shut down communication. Don’t let time and work destroy relationships.

Remember the treasure in family, and make the most of every opportunity to connect!!!

-Shayne