one hundred and twelve

I returned home tonight to the church that I was born into. It is where I was baptized, brought up, confirmed and married.

But more than being welcomed back to the building, I was welcomed into the arms of an extraordinary, tight knit group of people. A circle of friends so close they should be called family. We kids grew up surrounded by love and laughter and faith and fun. There was a bond formed in my parents’ generation that holds through to the next, despite time and distance.

I am so thankful for the community that I was raised in. I love the village that supported each other through good times and bad times, through horrific times and celebratory times. I love the jokes and the jabs and the hugs and the reminiscing.

I long for, and truly hope for, that kind of community for my children as they grow.