Extending Family

If you and I sat down for a cup of tea together, it wouldn’t be long before family entered into the conversation. I think it’s true that we talk most about what’s important to us and family is.

One of the best things about my kids getting married is that our family is extending and not only in the area of grandchildren but also along the beautiful avenue of our children’s spouses’ families. One day I hope to introduce each of them to you because they are well-worth getting to know.

Our son married his lovely wife, Andrea, nearly 4 years ago and she is a Summerland girl. Her family are long-time residents of the area and are stellar at re-creating in its dry, often sunny and seasonal climate. In a rather bold move, we invited ourselves to their neck of the woods to spend some time in their company and to find out just how fun winter sports in the Okanagan really are.

These people really know how to open their doors and hearts wide to family and we found ourselves chatting up a storm between delicious home cooked meals, gentle cross-country ski and skate instruction and a snow shoe tramp to and from Nickel Plate Lake near Apex.

I have a feeling we talked way too much but they seemed to take it all in stride, asking the kinds of questions that prompted us on. We laughed a lot and found ourselves feeling tremendously grateful. Our son is a lucky man to be an insider within this family fold, married to a mature young woman who has been raised with such tremendous love and grace.

It’s unlikely they will ever read these words I have written. They are probably busy serving in their community through their vocations, reading or out enjoying creation together; quietly, contemplatively, and energetically.

All the same, thank you Geoff and Sue, for the joy of your company and the pleasure of experiencing the Okanagan through your delightful vitality and gracious hospitality! We hope to offer a westcoast style of the same on your next Island visit.