Gather

Batman says:

Hi y’all, been a minute since I wrote anything at all, and I figure I better say something before I forget how to do this. Peach is forever wanting to gather with family and have a bonfire and cook a big meal for everyone, me, I’m a hermit. As much as I love Peach’s cooking and as much as I love family and friends, I’m a hermit. Peach in her patient ways, always drags the cave man out into the light from time to time and when she does and I stop grumblin, I always end up having a really fun time.

Someone once said, “to truly be happy a person must make others happy“ (if no one said it I’ll claim it) although I don’t believe that’s the case, I will say making others genuinely smile, does make me happy. I have been blessed with the most beautiful and perfect partner to stumble through life with, and in doing so have been blessed with awesome children, and grandchildren. But more than that, Peach’s family add an awesome blessing into the mix. Always up for a bonfire, or a day at the range, never without smiles and good cheer, they are like my own kin. We have been able to spend a bit more time with some of them now that I’m fully retired, before, being a Police Officer I missed gatherings and opportunities to spend time, now I am able to and we do. Raised by two great parents, two of my nieces (you know who you are) are growing too fast into wonderful young ladies. One with a writing talent rivaling many a starving book writer. She will, if she keeps at it, publish a best seller before she’s 20. The other, quieter and more a thinker (just based on my observations) takes after her dad (someone I know is a excellent parent) as a skillful artist (although I have to pry to get a look at her work, I can be annoying at times, yes it’s true) her art belies her age, and like her sister with writing, if she keeps at it will make her mark in art, I have no doubt. The reason I mention these young ladies, is because the more we visit the more I see their talent and I pray they keep at it and shine. At our outings or bonfires I like to think everyone has a good time and can’t wait to do it again. I know I can’t.

Gatherings with family like this, are something I hope all get a chance to do (if we’re having one you’re welcome to join the family) as I know the conversation that happens while sitting around the fire, with the dark crowding in all around, and the trees seemingly, stretching their limbs towards the fire to warm, is conversation that’s good for the soul. Thought provoking and sometimes funny, the conversation is for all ages, as we believe that everyone has something to share. Being retired, I am catching up for the first couple months, on things I need to get a handle on. After that, Peach and I are going to take our famous driving trips and see what we find. There are plans to stay in cabins (I’m all in long as there’s a creek or pond I can sit by and fish in), in parts of the country where it’s more “country”, near places where we can take hikes or walks and /or bike rides. The plans include times with family doing the same things and having the same style conversations around fires at night until we are no longer able.

As I age, I reflect, as I’m sure everyone does, on missed opportunities to tell people what they mean to you, and how you cherish their friendship and company. I tend to turn friends into family and to me there are no more important people than family. I want my children to succeed in all walks of life and they are well on the right path to do so. I want for Peach’s family the same, as to me they are my family also and there is nothing on the earth I would not do to see them succeed or come to their aid.

I think the point of this inane babble (anyone get the reference?) is to explain that despite all my life liking to be a hermit, there is nothing on the planet that would keep me from helping family, and now days, “gathering” to just be together.

“Yes Peach I did light the bonfire”