Remaining as one

the love of family

May 18, 2025

“Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” ~ Suzy Kassem

sun light passing through green leafed tree — Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

I have been blessed in so many ways but one blessing I never take for granted is my wonderful family. The last few months I have had the pleasure of witnessing family celebrations that included a baby shower and a wedding. Watching the younger generations grow up and blossom…that is such a gift…

The visual of a tree and its branches has always been a beautiful representation to me of how a family forms and grows.

The parents are the roots and the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are the branches, extending in different directions, following their own unique paths yet originating from the same foundation.

As we live our lives, I think it is also wise to remember where we came from and all of the support and guidance our parents and grandparents gave us.

Spending time with your family members reminds you of that and I find that very comforting. Family is literally where life begins and love never ends.

As a parent myself I embrace the gift of watching my own son as he grows up into the wonderful young man he is today. Every moment I spend with him now seems extra special.

And I also try to stay in contact as much as I can with my family and all of those branches. There is beauty in remembering, in celebrating, in supporting one another…That is really what being a family is all about, isn’t it?

Yes…the connection between families and trees…to me it seems so obvious…

Both are symbols of life…of how we are connected to everything that surrounds us…that we are more than what people see…that there lies beneath us and within us, great strength and purpose…and hope…

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Tranquil Moments…

I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:

This week’s Smile video…

After losing their daughter in a tragic accident, Kari and Bill Cox faced unimaginable grief. But they opened up their hearts again to take in four more children despite the pain. Steve Hartman has the story for "On the Road."

#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove

May is Mental Health Month

Kevin Breel didn't look like a depressed kid: team captain, at every party, funny and confident. But he tells the story of the night he realized that -- to save his own life -- he needed to say four simple words.

What I am reading…

This week I reread the picture book You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman. The message is a beautiful one that should be shared whenever possible.

Here is the Amazon summary: “Not only are we loved, but we also matter. In this tender and timeless read-along book, Tillman reminds us of this message in beautiful illustrations as children and animals interact with acts of kindness.

You're here for a reason. If you think you're not

I would just say that perhaps you forgot . . .

a piece of the world that is precious and dear would surely be missing if you weren't here.

If not for your smile and your laugh and your heart

this place we call home would be minus a part.

Thank goodness you're here!

Thank goodness times two!

I just can't imagine a world without you.”

Podcast picks…

Building on the success of her instant No. 1 NY Times-bestselling book I’ve Been Thinking…Reflections, Prayers and Meditations for a Meaningful Life, Maria Shriver continues to explore the life topics, issues and ideas that we’re all thinking about. Through intimate, thought-provoking conversations with friends and other individuals she respects and admires, Maria dives into issues like love, pain, forgiveness, gratitude, family, faith, connection, loneliness, the art of self-reinvention, and more to inspire you to reflect on your own life and have more meaningful conversations with the people you love.