eighteen

Today Sam turned eighteen... the youngest of five brothers. As I watched him blow out the candles (with a little help from Isabel), I was struck by just how amazing life is. And even more, I found myself suddenly reflecting on what incredible parents my in-laws are. They have raised five amazing human beings... nurturing them from babies to boys to men. Two of the oldest now have families of their own. Each one of them completely unique, each one with a kind heart, each one committed to their family, each one full of love and respect for the world around them, each one of them with a strength of character that flows from their core...

As I watched my mother-in-law prepare yet another beautiful birthday cake, I was amazed at the love and care she pute into all that she does. I was overwhelmed by her ability to love... simply, completely and fully. With five sons, four daughters-in-law and five granddaughters, she manages to make each one of us feel totally adored. Her love is honest, real and without judgement. She accepts us for who we are... just as we are. There is no struggle, there is no disapproval... and there is no doubt that we are loved. There are no holes... and in this love we all find a connection to ourselves and to each other. A family.

My father in law is more quiet in his love, but it is no less deep and no less pure. His affection is like an undercurrent that you always know is there... it wraps you a like a blanket on a cold, cold day... and fills you up with a warmth that comes from within. It is the foundation and it is peace.

All this reflection brought upon by the 18th birthday of Joshua's youngest brother... no longer a boy... a human being with an incredible insight into humanity, a deep quest for justice, an amazing awareness of the other, and a loyalty to friends and family that matches that of all his brothers. Moving into the world as an amazing uncle, brother, friend and human being. Truly, one of my favourite people in the world... as are all my 'brothers and sisters and nieces'. So, again, I am inspired by the unconditional force of the love that comes from nana and jid'do which has created this amazing community we call our family.