These are trying times for many families this holiday season and our is not exempt. The loss of two family members in less than two weeks are the type of events that challenges an individuals faith. They can also be a catalyst for renewed focus on what is truly important in life and for bandaging old wounds.
Our response to these trials and tribulations, as with so many things in this life, are our choice. We can use them to justify a long and lonely trip down the road of bitterness or use them to develop a deeper understanding and greater compassion for those suffering similar tragedies.
These events are bringing our family together for the first time in decades. As we are not a very close clan this is almost a miracle.
My older sister is working on getting here from Texas in spite of health issues. My soon to be 83 year old father and his wife are now enroute from Michigan via Amtrack as he refuses to fly and driving is not the best option at this time. We are awaiting news from my sisters second son, currently serving in the Middle East.
I always find a touch of sadness in the fact that often families do not draw together unless there is a death. I wonder why these people can not come together, put aside differences, and celebrate life.
Okay, I may be getting close to reneging on my promise of not allowing personal crisis to tinge the light hearted mood of the blog. My hope is that through my sharing, those going through similar trials will draw solace in knowing they are not alone in their grief, and that families will put aside differences and draw together in the spirit of Christmas this year rather than wait for tragedy to unite them.
In an unrelated and possibly out of place note, I want to say thank you for helping make Ghost Towns of the Southwest http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0760332215&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifra success in 2010. As of this morning Amazon.com indicates the book is:
#16 in Books > History > United States > State & Local > Arizona

#26 in Books > History > United States > State & Local > New Mexico

#35 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Arizona

I am eager to see what happens next summer when the popular topic of ghost towns is linked with Route 66 in my newest book, Ghost Towns of Route 66.

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