A Little Fun

We spent some time together out-of-doors and with my camera in tow.  Although we had a mission, we also had a lot of fun.  I wish I could post them all; some of the very best pictures were not "perfect" at all, but they showed every ounce of each babe's personality and individuality.  It was nice to be outside with my babes in the soft Ohio sunshine.  

Losing my papa has made my family that much more important to me, starting with the fruit of my womb and extending to the furthest cousin.  Although I don't know what the future holds, I pray it involves a move back across the continental divide and closer to mi familia, but, if not, at least an ability to visit each and every summer.  My family is unique and, as always, a refuge in life's storms and a fiesta for life's charms.  Over the many weeks past, I don't have enough fingers or toes to count how many times we were told by both strangers and friends how unique and special my family was and is.  It was a calling home to my heart, a reminder of what I ran away from all those many years ago.  I ran from my circumstances--a step-father I couldn't love, a mother I didn't respect--but, sadly, I also ran away from those I love the most in all this precious world.  I am thankful for the six weeks spent together, loving and comforting one another in our Contreras way.  Although we are not perfect, we are family, and that's all that really matters.  It will hurt--it is hurting now--to say goodbye to mi familia: my heart, my love, my life.  But, I pray the Lord continues to remind us of our need for one another and draw our lives together again and again in the future.  My family is special.  I always knew it, but now it's official.