Tomorrow my family is meeting at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA to celebrate being together 50 years. We are a step-family – I call it my chosen family – as I believe we choose each other before we come into this life to help each other grow and learn to love more unconditionally. My deceased husband, his three children and I met March 15, 1968 when he brought them to my apartment for hamburgers. We have had issues over the years, yet always come back to a place of love. This is incredibly rare and precious in my experience. Many biological families do not stay close, let alone step-families. That each of us has chosen to work through our issues to the best of our abilities with ourselves and each other is to be honored, cherished, and celebrated.
Our family grew from three children (two girls and one boy) to two with spouses, one single, and four grandchildren. We are animal lovers with two dogs and one cat in the families. All these children and grandchildren are beautiful or handsome, responsible adults now, each working in their respective fields, and continuing to grow spiritually and making the world a better place. That we are so blessed brings me the greatest joy and touches my heart in ways that bring tears to my eyes. Reggie and I thank their father, my beloved deceased husband of 45 years, and All That Is for these precious gifts. Nancy and Reggie♥
