~Family Time~
What Shall I Leave My Children?
The open sky, the brown earth, the leafy tree,
The golden sand, the blue water, the stars in courses
and the awareness of this.
Birdsong, butterflies, clouds and rainbows,
Sunlight, moonlight, firelight.
A hand reaching down for a small hand,
Impromptu praise, an unexpected kiss, a straight answer.
The glow of enthusiasm, and a sense of wonder,
Long days to be merry in and nights without fear.
The memory of a good home.
Anonymous
I always enjoy seeing and hearing about the family adventures, joys, and traditions that the Room 24 children and parents are establishing. The comfort and stability of the family is talked about by the first graders in my classroom on a daily basis. It reminds me of the precious times I cherish with my own family.
Every summer for the past 30-plus years my husband and I have spent a week of family time ~ hiking, fishing, deep-breath-resting, and relaxation in the mountain town of Graeagle in Plumas County, California. It started with just my husband and I...a few years later we brought our firstborn and three years later our youngest son joined us at 2 months of age! Throughout the years the grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and cherished friends have joined in. Now our sons are continuing the tradition by introducing their lovely wives to our family retreat experience. Over the years I've come to realize that family traditions truly have the potential to inspire and comfort.
In her book, "The Joy of Family Traditions",Jennifer Trainer Thompson writes,
"Family traditions do so much more than commemorate a milestone; they can serve as guideposts along the way, helping us to shape our daily lives and foster values—indeed, they can be an oasis in an increasingly hectic and busy world. Traditions can help us grow and flourish; they reflect and inspire the way we parent and how we honor the passage of time, achievement, and meaningful moments in our lives."
~Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours~
