my beloved family is leaving tomorrow. most of them. some will linger for another day or so, but the last morning of our reunions is always the hardest for me. I cry and hug and cry some more and hope that one more hug might take the tears away. The tears are a little bit of sadness---about missing my family. But mostly they are love...love for the dear, dear beloved aunts and uncles and cousins who are all so near to my heart. It is becoming more and more evident to me, more undeniable, that I am they, they are me, we are the hearts of each other and the beat of love in one is the beat of love in the other. To hear my uncles sing barbershop, to hear my grown cousins, like brothers to me, sing "Go Ye Now in Peace"....rips the water right out of my eyes every time.
So, for tonight, this last night, I gaze up at the waxing moon, laugh hardhardhard with cousin Tim and know that on this little hill, for this little time, lies my whole world.

You are blessed:)
Posted by: Denise S | July 03, 2009 at 05:55 AM
This post gave me goosebumps! It sounds like a wonderful place to be! Happy 4th Stephanie & family !!
Posted by: sandy | July 03, 2009 at 07:19 AM
such beauty and love. oh i am so happy for you that you have this deep connection with loved ones...with family.
Posted by: liz elayne | July 03, 2009 at 08:01 AM
I got goosebumps too reading this. That feeling; when our hearts merge with the hearts of loved ones - that is the best and deepest experience of God. Many hugs to you for this wonderful post.
Posted by: judy wise | July 03, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Wonderful wonderful memories and love!
Hugs,
Tami
Posted by: Tami Roth | July 03, 2009 at 09:28 AM
nothin' better, your blessed for knowing it! you jerked the tears right outta me again, i love my family the same way and you are in it. xo wanda
Posted by: wanda miller | July 03, 2009 at 10:39 AM
aww, precious gushings of the heart. family is so dear. i know. soak it up.
Posted by: jen | July 03, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Me too. We had a great time, and we made it home. Enjoy your holiday!
Posted by: cindy | July 04, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Oh how beautiful! You are truly blessed to have time with your family. I love your photo, in a previous post, of your outdoor space at night, lighted with campfire and lanterns and your family's faces -- Just magical!
Posted by: Linda Byrd | July 04, 2009 at 08:36 AM
thank you...for sharing the realization so beautifully...the feeling of not knowing where our heartbeat ends...and the others begins..
xoxox,
rebecca
Posted by: rebecca | July 04, 2009 at 12:15 PM
goosebumps and tears too, as I read your heartfelt sentiments. Steph, you have a ginormous heart!
Posted by: Deb Taylor | July 08, 2009 at 07:05 AM