Stephenson Family Ties

Have you ever noticed that when your mind is awakened

or drawn to someone new, that persons name suddenly

pops up everywhere you go?  My friend Sophie calls it

coincidence, and Mr Simples, my parson friend, calls it

Grace.  He thinks that if one cares deeply about someone

or something new, one throws a kid of energy out

into the world and "fruitfulness" is drawn in.

from: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by: Mary Ann Shaffer

We dont know how good we've got it...until we dont.

We used to saddle up to you parents counter in the kitchen and visit...
We used to have you bobbing in our pool in St George,enjoying all the other paddling cousins when you came a visiting.
We went to some volleyball games....and cheered as crazy relatives do.
We've watched you grow up.
And now you've found yourself a most handsome and honorable man..whom you wisely married,...and he's moved you across the country..and is keeping you all for himself...or at least thats how it feels.
Now and again we enjoy glimpses of you via your blog. And fortunately  your family is lucky enough to   visit  warm, sunny Florida and catch up. But for me it feels like years since we've had time to catchup..your wedding  day is vivid in my mind???? Could it be that that  was the last time we saw one another. Im sure this aint so....Im sure you've been home...and the timing has been such that we have hugged since then, right!!?? Im just complaining that it doesnt happen enough!!
I miss your quiet, soothing voice and your random outbreaks of squealing joy for life.... your enthusiasm and your mellowness. Truly you are a perfect mix of both your dear mom and dad.
And may I just add my name to a long, long list of fans that must be applauding your darling bangs!! (random but true!!!)  Moviestars dont carry off bangs the way you do!! The older you become the more gorgeous you are my dear niece!!!
You are missed. You are loved...and deeply admired!! Keep doing what your doing my friend for it is agreeing with you!! Im looking so forward to our next visit!!

*** Im sure that the above pic may still cause you some tenderness of heart...we miss dear Theo too. May your memories of the little tyke bring you joy.