We traveled to Minneapolis to visit our oldest son and his wife. He works for a professional lacrosse team's sales department and had gotten us tickets to a game at the Excel Center. The first 90 minutes of our trip we had stopped all three small towns along the highway: one car sick child, two bathroom stops for upset stomachs, and one dime store stop for cortisone cream for some mosquito bite drama. It took us over 5 hours! BUT, no pouting, no fighting, no begging....just a regular traveling medical clinic. :)
We never get enough time with extended family in Pierre and Ange-Laurette's minds. We can tell what a significant role extended family played for the kids in Haitian culture. They expect them to be nearby and part of all of our activities. They ask about them and pray for each one at night...grandparents, especially. So much has changed in American families, with siblings and grandparents living so far apart. The relationships are just different. Even with all the technology to stay in touch, it just isn't the same as gathering together for meals and celebrations on a weekly basis. So, if you are one of the lucky ones who has your grandkids and extended family nearby...cherish that!
