Stephenson Family Ties

God plants us each in the right garden,
I think, a place that presents just
enough sun and rain for us to take root
and grow, creating families, bringing
together the right people to teach
and to learn the right lessons.
from: Consider the Butterfly
by: Carol Lynn Pearson

One can spend hours and hours discussing the pros and cons of FaceBook. I know...'cause I've been there.
But the miracle of FB has become apparent for me once again this week. FB brought 2 extra blessings into my life.
Because of this amazing networking tool, this week I enjoyed the marvelous experience of reconnecting with a couple of high school buddies. I estimate it may have been at least 20 yrs since I've seen these dear ladies.
There were five of us, plus my daughter who became witness and spectator and patient observer- who gathered in BF Judy's cozy front room for a few hours in an attempt to 'catch-up' on each of our lives.
We talked of the high school years...a little.
We talked about our education and the education of our kids...a little.
But we spent the greatest portion of the visit talking about our greatest joys and struggles...that would be our kids of course!!!
Isnt that just so typical of women...
who are mothers...
of boys...
and of girls....
to share experiences, and to share our greatest treasures that we have gleaned by raising children?
In those few short hours, we were fed, nourished, and boosted by the things we could share with one another. I know I came away feeling uplifted, and certainly grateful that these women are a part of my life.
What I didnt get to say though, was of even greater importance to me...they need to know how grateful I am for their influence in my adolescent life- it changed everything. EVERYTHING!! Of course it did. They introduced me to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and lived His teaching as they loved me into His church!!! How do you thank someone for this!!!???

linda, judy, cathy, jannett, myself

FaceBook and blogging also facilitated in connecting me up with a long lost cousin!! What great joy it is to discover this cousin of mine!! Its strange how I cant really explain how I ever 'lost' dear Kim. I toss it off as a "Sharp" thing- that we werent close growing up. I say that we lost contact, but in truth, I really cant be sure that there ever was real contact in the first place?
But here we are years and years later,
developing what I feel is a very precious friendship, mitigated by the convenience, power and fun of the internet!!! How cool is this!!!!
To spend a few hours with Kim and my lovely brother this week was a treat beyond measure. We enjoyed a yummy bowl full of noodles and visited like there was no tomorrow!! (drat, I forgot to take a picture!!!) Isnt that what my brothers advise was when we asked him about the FT. Hood tragedy?? Joe said something like, "I take away from that incident that one had better take every opportunity to go out to lunch with the ones you love."
I love that advice!!!
Oh did we have fun!!!

And if my bond with my cousin wasnt becoming secure enough...we hooked back up late one evening and went with the girls to see MJ on the big screen!! (dont worry mom and Trisha...I'll see it again in a heartbeat!!!) We were held spell bound for an hour or so, watching the genius of Michael on stage as he prepared for his world tour!!
The movie left me awestruck and melancholy.
MJ had such great gifts and talents. And he surround himself with people of great talent and abilities as well. I was/am struck with great sadness for all those young people that were so excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to dance and sing and perform with Michael...and to have if fall so short so close to it materializing!!! Its breaks ones heart!!!