Family
“Families are like fudge… mostly sweet with a few nuts.” ~ Author Unknown
Preface: Random Acts of Kick Arse is a movement to bring more of {monthly theme} into our lives, and the lives of those around us.
April Theme: Family. Find ways to incorporate the concept of family into daily life.
The Lowdown: Guess who’s the “nut” in the picture up above???? (maybe I shouldn’t ask that!!!)
Family: As I think about this, the first thing that’s there is my immediate family. Those people I live with. My wife, Lora. Our three kids — Jakob, Rebekah, and Cameron. (Bekah is the one up above with me, as we debate the finer qualities of M&M’s!) These people mean the world to me! Do I always remember that? Are there moments when I get too attached to an outcome, and forget the person? Sure. And perhaps we all do this, at times. So, it’s all part of that journey we are on. And we learn as we go…
“The family — that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.” ~ Dodie Smith
Today, as I think back over the last month — I am reminded of many shining moments of family.
Jakob on the Hunt for Easter Eggs! (and with family love, life’s basket is overflowing)
Cameron on the Run! (fun and games make for great family moments!)
Bekah and I at the Rockefeller Center (wonderful family memories put us on top of the world!)
Family is a pretty sweet thing. So, I think about these people I live with, these people that are family. And really — the more extended family, too. Parents. Siblings. Aunts and uncles. Cousins. Nephews. Nieces. Family can become a pretty big and extended clan, and a group of people who love us — just because we are part of that family. And that IS a very special thing.
There is also another family, too. Our “family” that may not necessarily be related to us — yet still holds special meaning in our hearts. Friends, who are there for us. Today, I would like to acknowledge each one of you — you are part of this Jungle of Life family, and that also means the world to me!! You bring your good thoughts, your care, and your YOU here to this place. I’m honored to have you here in this space. And you are each, indeed, a part of this “family”.
In any family there are moments of beautiful goodness, and moments of real heartache. On February 25th, this Jungle of Life family experienced some of that heartache, losing a very special person, Amy Pratt. There was much sadness in all of this, and of life that ended all too soon. Yet, from that there has also come good. Since that time, I have been honored to develop a closer friendship with Amy’s mother, Jeanne. Recently, Jeanne sent our family a wonderful reminder of Amy. A doll, specially made, with angel wings, and a small piece of Amy — something near and dear to her heart — a small doll necklace of seaglass. In honor of Amy, we have created a new garden in our backyard — we call it our Garden of Life. Life everlasting…
The seeds we sow…the seeds of life…create the “family” we have.
I am honored to be a part of a family that shines love out into the world. That is the family I live with, the family I am related to, and YOU.
Thank YOU, each one of you, for being “family” here in this jungle of life! I am honored to have each of you as a part of me.
We are indeed all one…
What is Random Acts of Kick Arse (RAOKA)? With the idea that there are so many ways we can do small things to change the world for good, Sami, from Life, Laughs, and Lemmings took an idea she had and created this movement. The movement: A new theme to focus on each month, bringing a little more good to the world. The movement started in October 2009, and has a core group of participants:
Lori from Jane Be Nimble
Gayze from Gazehound’s Animal Communication
Zeenat from Positive Provocations
Each month a topic will be chosen to focus on, and then at the start of the next month, the participants will write about their experiences from the previous month.
Interested in joining the movement? Contact Lori for details.
May Theme: Serenity (as chosen by Zeenat)
Logo courtesy of Melissa from Operation NICE
Lance,
You are all that is good and beautiful in this world. I loved the photo of your family in your new garden!
Well, I loved all the photos. LOVELY!
By the way, I won’t say who I think the nut is in the top photo.
Beautiful post Lance; thanks for participating in RAOKA — you RAOKA!!!
~xo!
.-= Lori´s Last Fabulous Post ..RAOKA: Family =-.
Lance, you have a beautiful family! And would you believe I’ve lived in NY state all my life and have never been to Rockefeller Center?
I know that Amy is smiling upon you from the beautiful place called forever, and enjoying her garden of life!
.-= Gayle (Gazehound’s Animal Communication)´s Last Fabulous Post ..RAOKA for April: Family =-.
Family is amazing Lance — it is the blood that binds us and the love that is each of us! Last month I was reminded of fmaily — in so many ways to include friends and community. You have a wonderful family and it looks like you have a lot of fun together which doesn’t surprise me having read your posts for a while now.
Here’s to family!!
Thank you Lance — I have begun to think of my blog friends as a family, too — I am glad you feel that way, as well. You and your immediate family are pretty special, too.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Gulf winds, remembered and good sleep =-.
Hey Lance, you are such a good guy. Family is so important and you have obviously made it a top priority. Well, that’s what it takes to have a wonderful family like you’ve got! This was such a positive, feel good post (not at all unusual for you my friend). Thank you for sharing your most important people with us.
.-= Jonathan — Advanced Life Skills´s Last Fabulous Post ..Forgiveness – the Healthiest Decision of Your Life! =-.
Garden of Life is a meaningful metaphor — I like that.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Motivation, Skills, and Feedback =-.
Lance, what a wonderful post & just LOVED the pics of your family & home. BEAUTIFUL! The message is even more important. Although, I think we have our share of more nuts in my family than the usual!
Love it!
.-= Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Green, White, Black — Which Tea is Best =-.
I remember the Easter egg hunt, Lance. One of my previous employers put on a hunt for all of us. There were prizes for the employees who found the most eggs. It was a blast with everyone running around the office grabbing eggs from the most interesting places. Lots of nuts running around, lol.
Hi Lance:
I really enjoyed your family pics and especially the one at the M&M store. When I was in NY two summers ago, I spent some time in the M&M store on a Saturday night (I know I’m a party animal) with one of my best friends…someone I consider family. You are right about family…its more than just blood relatives…its about seeds that are sown and trust that develops and friendships that are cultivated over time. We are blessed when this happens.
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Re-Blog April 2010 =-.
Hello Lance, You have a wonderful family…such fabulous photos. I love the Garden of Life in Amy’s honor and know she will be watching over her garden. How special you and your family are. I feel blessed to call you friend. Jeanne (mother to Amy Pratt)
Thank you for sharing your family photos with us all. It is really nice to see them. You’ve got great looking children! It will be nice to be able to meet them and yourself some day!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..What Does Your Inner Money Script Say? =-.
Thank you for this post, Lance. It is the first one I’ve read this morning as I sit down to catch up on what I may have missed the past few days. For the past few mornings, I have been waking up sad. Today is no exception. So this post brought a ray of sunshine in. I am reminded that I am part of a lovely blogging family (even if my blog is quite small), and I am also part of a flesh-and-blood family that cares about me too.
Thank you for sharing about your families and what you’re grateful for. You are a blessed man!
.-= Chania Girl´s Last Fabulous Post ..When Enough is Enough =-.
Lance,
There are few blogs (blog communities) where I truly feel a family has formed… yours is an exception to that, my friend. Keep smiling, keep being silly, keep debating the finer qualities of M&M’s…
(although, I must admit I prefer Smarties)
http://www.nestle.ca/en/products/brands/smarties/index
Never miss a post, Lance, thank you,
Darren Sproat
.-= Darren Sproat´s Last Fabulous Post ..To Make All My Friends Feel That There is Something Worthwhile In Them =-.
Lance, you know how much I love the garden concept. And of course I am very proud of you for taking Bekah shopping in NY, what a good dad! I don’t have any little kiddies or dogs but my husband, my plants, my many friends, my parents, my brothers and my blogging buddies are my family and it keeps growing
!
@Lori — Hey Lori! You are sweet, thank YOU, beautiful friend! Now…about that nut…I know and you know, so there’s really no need to say it, right!! (ha!!) RAOKA on!!!
@Gayle — Hi Gayle! Well, it’s a great view from the top of the Rockefeller Center!! Still, I’m guessing you have seen some pretty wonderful views on NY (and not just NYC) — that are filled with their own awesome!! The “garden of life” was an idea my wife had, and it’s turned out beautifully.…thank you.
@The Exception — Those reminders that the universe gives to us, can be so good. Especially if we are open to receiving them. Keep savoring all that “family” represents — the family both through blood and through love. Thank YOU for your kind words!!!
@Lynn — Lynn, it is indeed wonderful to have you as part of my family. There’s a real connection that develops here on the internet, through a sharing from the heart. You, wonderful friend, shine all that is good and right.…
@Jonathan — Hey Jonathan! Family is definitely an important part of who I am. So, your words are deeply meaningful — thank you!! It’s great to have you here, and know that you are part of my blogging family. Very awesome!
@J.D. Meier — My wife came up with the whole idea of “garden of life”, and I too, loved it. It just felt so right.…
@Jody– Hey Jody!! Glad you enjoyed the photos!! And — you know — on any given day, I think I can find a couple of nuts around this place we call home!! (and sometimes, that’s a rotating nut…not always the same person!!). Jody, thank you for your sweet words!
Lance,
How fun! This quote really came across strong:
“The family – that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.” ~ Dodie Smith
I think it says why forgiveness is so important. Knowing we’re all imperfectly perfect and I believe all doing our best when you add forgiveness in the mix of family matters your return is always more joy.
Love love the photos you share and it always brings back such sweet memories of my own kids at that age. Now my granddaughter is 16…that’s crazy!!! Thanks for the smiles and memories today.
Hi Lance
I just love the M&M photo of you and Bekah. I wanted to ask, was that planned with the yellow t-shirt to match that M&M or was it just a fluke? Cause that turned out SO good!!!
Yes, family is important and dear. But I have to tell you as I read your words and felt the love you feel and care for your family, I actually thought of all the people that do not have families, or at least ones they are in touch with or get along with. I know it might sound a bit “down” but there are many people out there who have found the best families in strangers who became good friends and than like family. I guess in the end, it is that which you expressed so beautifully at the end, that anyone can be our family — it all depends on our own definition.
Thank you for this Lance, because I really do feel that I have a very big and beautiful online family and you are such a special part of it.
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Expanding Our Evolving Views of Homosexuality =-.
@Davina — Hey Davina!! Very cool — and what a fun way to bring some extra joy into the workplace!!
@Tim — Hi Tim!! Well…guess what?? We were at the M&M store on Saturday night too!! (I guess I’m that crazy party animal too!!) Developing friendships that become “family” is pretty sweet. Very awesome that you have experienced this!
@Jeanne — Hi Jeanne. Thank you so much for your kind words. I know, too, that Amy is watching over, from above…angel wings on… And it has been a beautiful experience getting to know you. Peace and love to you, always, as you keep the memory of Amy alive and shining.
@Evelyn — Hey Evelyn!! Well…I would like to say that those kids get their great looks from me…but truthfully…I think it’s from my wife! And I too look very much forward to that day when we meet, in person!! What a GREAT day that will be!
@Chania Girl — Carla. That this has brought a bit of sunshine into your day…that makes it all so worth it. You are a wonderful, wonderful friend. And I want so much for you to feel that happiness that I know is in your heart. Know that you bring me so much joy, just your presence, your goofiness, and your caring. If I can give a little bit of that back, what an honor that is. And you, Carla, are most definitely family. Big hugs today, sweet friend.…
@Darren — Darren, your words are landing on my heart today, and mean so much. It’s really about the people visiting here, though. What an amazing group of people, of family, that have made this place what it is today. And that’s YOU, shining your light here so often. Darren, your support has been so meaningful — thank you. Now…as for Smarties…I could probably debate the finer qualities of them too (although I am more “expert” with the M&M’s!!) (practice, you know!!).
@Farnoosh — Hey Farnoosh!! I knew you would love the garden!! Okay…and now I am laughing. Thanks for being proud of me. Bekah knew all the right things to say and do (wow, she’s smart like her mother!!). And — really, it was fun to be able to just hang out as the two of us — wonderful experience!! And — lastly…Farnoosh — you are most definitely family here!! It has been a complete joy getting to know you, and I look very much forward to that day when we get to meet in person!! (and have some tea!)
@Tess — Hi Tess. Yes, forgiveness can really go a long way towards healing the relationships within our families. And — deep down, I believe that we very much have a connection to those who we consider family (related or not). Our oldest, Jakob — is 15 — and I think that’s crazy, too!! Especially, considering he will be driving soon! Yikes!!!
@Evita — Hi Evita. So…there were several M&M shirts, with different facial expressions on them. Bekah became my clothing adviser, and helped me choose the yellow one (which I LOVE!!). And then — because we had such a fun time at the store, we came back again on Sunday and decided to take a picture. And — the yellow M&M guy was what there was — so it was not planned, just a fluke!! So cool, though!!
And, I know what you mean — about how some people can slip away from their related family members. (for a number of reasons.…) And not having family to turn to, that can feel like a down moment. When we can let our heart speak, and through that — connect with people that have meaning in our life — our family most definitely can include people who are not related to us.
Evita, I want you to know that I think of you, too, as family — and in a much deeper sense, the more I get to know you. You are a dear friend, and a real member of my family.…
Very fun and warm article today. We have 5 children ranging from 20 to 4. All ours, same dad and mom! Family is a big deal to us. As the older children have graduated high school, we still share a tight family bond. We are hoping our ‘family’ will grow as the kids get married and the spouse’s family(s) will be a part of our family and our family a part of theirs.
.-= Colleen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Tri Cities Has Lowest Cost of Living in the State =-.
Thank you, Evita, for your words about family. Today I am close with my sister and an aunt from my dad’s side of the family. I am “in touch” with several cousins from my mother’s side of the family but we are not close.
Most of my family is a “family of choice” — friends who I have grown to trust and love over the years, my online friends like Lance and the online community that has grown up around my blog, a small number of friends from the small church that is in my neighborhood and of course, my immediate family of my husband, children, son-in-law, grandchildren and soon-to-be daughter-in-law. They all have taught me so much about love. My mother-in-law welcomed me with open arms into her family when I married her youngest son in 1972. She has blessed my life so much with her love and friendship. My sister-in-law has also blessed my life with her friendship. We are true sisters in spirit. They have made themselves family in my heart.
Growing up with a very dysfunctional family with incest and alcoholism, most of my love was hidden away in my heart for fear of being hurt. My husband’s family changed all of that and gave me love, kindness and friendship. I love them all, even his two brothers. That would probably surprise both of them. They pretend to be such he-men with little show of emotions. They both have a soft heart if you take the time to peel away the outer layers. Don’t tell them that I love them. It would embarrass them.
Thank you Lance for extending your love and caring and becoming one of my online brothers. Your heart inspires mine to be more open. Have a glorious day.
.-= Patricia — Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s Last Fabulous Post ..Lost Pieces And Abilities Cause By The Pain Of Incest =-.
I love all your pictures and I so needed this today. I’m much more concerned with outcomes than people these past few days. And, I’m being nicer to strangers on the internet than to my own boys! Ah thank you Lance. You are wonderful!
Lance,
The joy and love you share with your family shines through your words, and your photos. Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
My biological family is far geographically and emotionally, but I value family so I’ve set up a pseudo family around the children and I. I wanted my children to experience the blessing of grandparents, so we’ve “adopted” a few sets:) Actually *we’ve* been adopted in quite a few circles, and I appreciate that so very much, –we also share our love with those around us. Family is what you are born into– the unit that surrounds you then– but it is also the group of people around you through every stage of life–in that sense, family truly is what you make of it.
haha, agree with you that “Family is a pretty sweet thing” except when nobody wants to do the housework.
Please dont ask me mop the floor in this Jungle!
.-= scheng1´s Last Fabulous Post ..Healthy eating and Raw Food Diet =-.
I’ve always believed that “family is everything” and without them (and my health) I don’t have much of anything. I also agree that “Family” can be extended, and that is a beautiful thing! Thanks for sharing yours, can’t wait to meet them!
Family is a beautiful experience. We share laughter, food, and pain together. These memories are what binds us. The world is getting smaller with social media and that’s a great thing. We can feel more connected if we open up to all the great people out there. It’s this more open relationships that will help us treat each other more like family instead of strangers or enemies.
Hello Lance my m&m lovin friend!
Its truly a blessing!
I think the person inside that nutty yellow m&m is mee.….you were just too nutty to notice hmm
But it is so beautiful to have found this beautiful family we are all part of-the human loving family. And you are so right…we are truly ONE! We just need to be more open to this love that surrounds us…and see how awesome it feels to be part of this interconnected oneness.
You and your family are soooo beautiful.
I am so honored and proud to be part of this Jingle of Life family
Much Love to you and to the family.….
Z~
Lance, I just love this — and love your interpretation of family. I feel the same way: I have my family of origin, but then I have the family I’m blessed to continue finding, all over the world. You’re a part of that, as are so many people in our blogging community. What a gift!
I absolutely love the picture of all of you in front of Amy’s tribute garden, too. That is just too cool… And such a “Lance” thing to do!
Much love, my friend!
Hi Lance — I like the Dodie Smith quote — it definitely captures the agony and the ecstasy of family togetherness. Whatever we can say about relating with our families, nuclear and extended, from time to time, they definitely keep us on our toes, alert and alive. That’s how I see it anyway.
@Colleen — Hi Colleen!! Hey — congrats on the five munchkins!! (who aren’t all munchkins anymore!!) And that’s awesome that you all still share a tight bond with each other! Family is pretty wonderful…whether you are related to them, or not…
@Patricia — Hi Patricia. You have created a family, a family based on love. And that is beautiful! I know that your childhood and growing up were not easy years, and know that the message you share today is helping others — others who have been there, and maybe even others who are there right now. You are a beautiful gift, Patricia. And you have created a family that is there and supports and loves you. (even your husband’s two brothers!) Patricia, it is an honor to call you “family”.…
@Audra — Hey Audra!! Thank YOU!!! And…I know what you mean. Sometimes it can be easier to be nice to those we don’t even know, than the ones we love with all our heart and soul. Audra, I know, though, that you are a beautiful and loving mother. So…this too shall pass. And your children will love you always.… (and know that I very deeply appreciate your honesty).
@Joy — Hi Joy!! Thank YOU for your sweet words! What a wonderful way to bring family into your life AND to share your family with others!! Joy, this is what shines so beautifully about you — your way of really touching on love in all you do. And it is heart-warming…
@scheng1 — Ahhh…the housework!! Right…sometimes no one want to do that! Ha!! (and you are off the hook in this jungle!)
@Stacey Shipman — Hey Stacey! Having family (whether it’s that we are born with, or from the relationships we foster) is pretty wonderful! And — great point — that along with health…and you really have all you need. Stacey, I can’t wait to see you and your husband again…and know that you are most definitely part of our family, and your friendship is deeply meaningful to me.
@Karl — Hi Karl! Together. That’s the real thing I’m pulling from what you shared. Family is about togetherness. And through that…memories are born! And I believe very much that we are ALL ONE. That fits so well with what you have described, and how our connections with others — far and wide — are so meaningful! Great stuff, Karl!
@Zeenat — Hi Zeenat! Mmmm.…I DO love M&M’s (especially the Peanut ones!). Aha!!! So YOU are inside that M&M!! I knew I should have given her a great big hug!! Being open to love…and to our interconnectedness…so, so good! Zeenat, you are wonderfully kind (I knew that already though!) — thank YOU!! And you, sweet friend, are very much a part of my family.. Peace and love to you…
@Megan — Megan!! YOU…YOU are so much a part of my family! It has been a beautiful gift getting to know you…to know you in so many deep and meaningful ways. Much like this whole community that has developed here, and are a part of this family…so too, are you. Megan, you have such a wonderful way of shining your amazing light into my life. sweet and dear friend.…much love to you…always…
@Chris — Hi Chris!! Yes, the Dodie Smith quote really nails what family can be like. Sometimes we get on each others nerves, and bug each other, and cause pain.…yet, real family (blood or otherwise) are there when we really need them, and shine much goodness as well, into who we are! And I’ll take that.…
Hi Lance .. fudgy family .. I’m on my way over — love fudge!
That’s great .. having the family on top of the world .. sounds like a fun time — just as a family should be .. that all encompassing togetherness, support — while allowing everyone to spread their wings.
How fantastic that you’ve remembered Amy & will continue to do so .. that’s really generous — Jeanne must be so pleased that her daughter will be remembered by you and your extended family for ever. A garden of life — the smile at, to be happy in .. and to laugh and share fun times ..
Brilliant — have a great weekend .. mother’s day and all .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Okavango Delta — the perfect place to Safari or holiday? = Yes for me! Part 3/3 — Sights and sounds .. =-.
Lance, this is gorgeous! I have really been spending much time in the family element lately. I always find it neat that when I come here the lesson or topic is parallel to where I am most times and it is incredible! I love this line: “The seeds we sow…the seeds of life…create the “family” we have.“
I see it as a gift! hugs to you and your lovely family! And what a great idea of the garden for Amy. hugs, Jenn
so beautiful,.. or it can be..
.-= Jenn´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Photographic Moment: Captured by the Heart =-.
this is a beautiful post lance…family in all it’s many forms is what (who) sustains us and calls us to be the loving people we are (even on the days when we could be a little bit kinder)…family was central to teaching us to do RAOK and inspires us to continue…your garden idea is wonderful, what a beautiful way to celebrate life.
@Hilary — Being up there, at the Rockefeller Center, with Bekah — that was a great moment!! And — it really did make me think about family, and how when everything is working well…how “on top of the world” we can be!! The garden was my wife’s idea, and one that has turned out beautifully…and one I also know Amy will be watching down on. Hilary, thank you so much for your good thoughts!
@Jenn — Jenn!! Hi, beautiful friend! You have given me a huge smile this evening, thank you! And family can most definitely be beautiful…if it is allowed to grow from the seeds of love and life. And many life-affirming hugs to you, sweet friend…
@Laura — Laura, thank you for your beautiful thoughts. Family (in whatever form is in our lives) can be so sustaining. And really, family adds such a wonderful element to the life we have. So, so good…
A beautiful post! We must remember those shining moments of family life, especially in moments of conflict that every family experiences. Without my family, I am nothing.
.-= Lady Fi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Water off a duck’s back =-.
Hi Lance
This is a great example of a universal post.
Whatever we blog about everyone of us can relate to what you’re saying.
I always look forward to the times when we sit down as a family and have a meal together.
A simple thing but so satisfying.
As for the family of bloggers out there… it has really taken me by surprise.
Seeing that small Avatar on a comment is like sayiong hello to an old friend.
Have to go, my wife is threatening to kill me if I don’t stop blogging… families? LOL
.-= Keith Davis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Flying in formation =-.
thank you for reminding us of the awesome-ness of family! we do sometimes lose sight of what is truly important. i always enjoy your blog, lance!
.-= joanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..mama mia! =-.
@Lady Fi — Family is a pretty sweet thing (however we define family). And — even in those challenging moments, they are still very special to us!
@Keith — Hi Keith. Yes, just having a meal together, as a family, is a bonding of that family unit. And I agree — this family of bloggers that develops is a way special thing — and definitely a part of my family too! Good luck with your wife!!!!!
@Joanne — Hi Joanne!! So great to see you here! Family is wonderful…and that I know some of yours personally.…way awesome!!!