Family Time at Grandmas Pond 2024

There is something really beautiful and mysterious that can happen in families and I experienced it this Independence Day. All the laughs and joys are just bouncing around inside my head begging to get out on paper. 

We visited my wife’s family, the Kulicks, in Rhodes island, and we had a party at her grandmother's house and pond. Lynne  spent many summers playing scrabble at the kitchen table and floating and boating in the pond. We see most of her family once or twice a year but in spite of so much separation and many differences we all had loads of fun while playing games, swimming, boating, eating, laughing, and conversing. In spite of the time and geographic separation, some unique and mysterious affinity took over and everyone reconnected quickly and began enjoying each other. 

My awe exists for a few reasons. Many families don’t have the same joy when they get together, and I recognize my blessing. I realize I am here by marriage, an adopted son, and a knuckle head they all chose to accept. In the “real world” our acceptance can be based on our adherence to our tribes’ rules, but at grandmas pond we are an eclectic mish mash of gay, straight, young, old, Republican, Democrat, and independent. We are accepted because we are on this journey together and nothing more. (Also I wonder if this the way church is supposed to be?)

Thank you extended Kulick family for a great time together over the Independence Day holiday!