Relationships

In this day and age, the word “relationships” can have a skewed meaning. The younger generation may immediately think of the number of friends they have on Facebook or their followers on Instagram. Others may think of something more intimate, like boyfriends and girlfriends or spouses. But there is more, and I was reminded of that over the weekend at a yard sale, a funeral and a family reunion.

The yard sale: Sometimes we can misread a person when first meeting them. This became very apparent during my conversation at the sale. We all know that sometimes yard sales in the Coulee can sometimes be more of a social gathering as friends and neighbors gather over the old treasures stacked on tables and in the yards of other neighbors. Conversation is had. Real conversation, without the use of thumbs. As Bob and I spoke, God woke me up to something. Bob said this phrase as we were talking about my past columns: “I don’t consider myself religious; it is more about relationships.” That statement has been on my heart for years, but this is the first time I have heard it spoken to me outside of my like-minded friends and speakers. Our conversation was rich and filled with life and positivity. I learned things about him and his wife that I did not know. I was blessed by their words and by their hearts. A relationship of friends was formed as we spoke of our beliefs and walks we have been down. I cannot wait to sit down sometime again in the future.

The funeral: It has been written on these pages and on this designated space how special the senior class of 2018 is to me. We lost one of them, and Karrie and I attended his funeral Saturday with many other family and friends. It was apparent that Patrick had made many, many relationships with his short time on earth. His smile is a special one, and I will cherish his sense of humor every time I think of him. As we hugged classmates, sisters, friends and family, it became apparent words are sometimes not needed. Love poured out on those who need it sometimes can be conveyed in a hug, handshake, or sometimes even just a look. It made me examine my connections. Am I expressing every day how important people are to me? It was obvious that Patrick did just that. With his huge heart for others and his love of family, he left a permanent mark on us all. I will remember our talks, and I am sure as the new school year approaches I will think of him many times and smile. I will continue to lift up his family and friends in prayer during this unbearable time.

The reunion: It was difficult to go straight from a funeral to a family reunion, but as Karrie and I traveled over Disautel Pass, we prepared ourselves for the Nessly Family Reunion of my mom’s side of the family. My mom is one of nine kids my Grandma and Grandpa Nessly had, and the five who could make it met for a small gathering and barbecue. Aunt Micki, Uncle Chuck, Uncle Buck, Uncle Chic and Aunt Kathy represented the nine, each in his or her own fashion. Many cousins also showed up, with second cousins and, yes, even some third cousins. Cousin Terry barbecued in the extreme heat; it was good for him.

As I sat there and looked into the faces of family, love welled inside me. With each little joke or wisecrack, our hearts smiled more and more. Connection is so important. Knowing where you came from and who is going with you is a strength like no other. We don’t all see eye to eye on everything; some of us have nothing in common except being family. But the love of these people from the oldest to the youngest was on display. Yes, we missed those who were not there, but they were not forgotten; we carried them with us in our hearts. We told stories from the past and smiled again. The family connection was real. I love you all.

Relationships are so important. Have a conversation with someone today, get to know him. As I look at the world out there, sometimes we can see nothing but hate and it makes some want to retract back into safety, being comfortable in their private space. But I am learning more and more that conversations, building of real relationships, might just be what saves the world.

As we spread love to others one word at a time, as we hug others and hold that embrace so tight, as we learn about what makes them tick inside and truly listen, we become a community of love, a community of relationships not afraid of differences. We embrace the differences and join each other anyway, in our hearts. God made every one of us, and we are called to love one another.