Born: June 9, 1972
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May 28, 2003 at 4:29 pm
Family...
A few weeks ago, My wife, Julianna, my brother-in-law, John, and I went to St. Louis, Missouri for the weekend. 
It was an amazing trip. Along with the splendor of the Arch and all of the things to do in the city, St. Louis is, quite simply, a beautiful city. We visited the Hill District, we saw the stadium, we went up in the Arch (which was scarier than I ever expected), and we went to a place that, alone, would make a trip to St. Louis worthwile: the City Museum. I’m not even going to describe the wonder of this museum. Every city needs one. You can check out their website, but I strongly urge you to visit the museum in person. You won’t be disappointed.
Beyond all that St. Louis had to offer, though, we had a good time because we were spending it as a family. Family is something that has always been an integral part of my being. My “nuclear“ family was always close to our “extended“ family on both my mother’s & father’s side. Every year, while growing up, we would visit our grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, et cetera a few times a year. Sometimes it didn’t even have to be a holiday or special occasion.
Now days, family is still important to me. Julianna and I see her parents a few times a month. I go bowling with my brother-in-law, John, every Thursday. I speak regularly with my family on the West Coast. Familial support is a value that was instilled in me at a very early age.
In July, Julianna and I, and my brother, Luke and his family, are flying to California to visit my parents and my sister, Amie and her family. I am very excited to be doing this. It has been less than a year since seeing them (at our wedding in September 2002), but I feel a strong need to connect with my “roots“ again.
We will also being visiting with most of our extended family and friends at a party we are throwing at my parents’ house. We’re calling the party a “reception” for those who weren’t able to make it out here for our wedding but, in actuality, we just want to see everyone.
I wonder if I will be as good as my parents were at keeping our family connected. They always seemed to have a knack for creating reasons for us to meet. I’ve tried to be good about it with my friends. I’ve helped out a few times with my family. I need to keep these connections, though. It is who I am. I am glad that I need my family. I pray that I will be able to teach this sense of stability and support in my children.
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