My Family Away from Family

It's moments like these that I never want to end. Vacation. I'd say it's one of the perks of being an educator. The holidays and breaks we get can truly be wonderful and tend to be right on time.

This past year I officially tagged one of my past employers and her family as my "family away from family". Other than my own family I couldn't imagine too many others I would want to spend as much time with. Her family, her sister's family, and her brother's family have taken me in as their own. When Sundays come around, I know I have a spot for weekly dinner. During the week if I have late hours at work and do not feel like cooking or making a fast food run, it's nothing to call up Lynda and know I can walk right in, get a plate, and stuff my face. I appreciate that when I make trips to visit with my family or journey somewhere they want a text message or phone call (like my mom or brothers) when I arrive and leave. I love that the relationship isn't a dependent one--me being the only one calling or asking. If they need something they know they have my support and time. From babysitting to store purchases, it's just a matter of asking.

Lynda is the sister I never had--and there is a VERY small pool of women in my life that I have said that about. The same age as my oldest brother, she is a mentor, best friend, and listening ear. There have been moments this year (and last) where, when I was close to tears, frustrated, or in need of assistance, I'd pick up the phone and receive her advice, encouragement, and prayers. It's hard to believe that during the summer of 2006 we almost lost her...I thank God for giving her more time because it sparked a friendship that I know is beyond seasonal. He makes no mistakes!

I met Lynda while I was an undergraduate and my sorority was at her school for a mentoring program. Little did either of us know that a few years later I'd walk into the school where she'd just been hired as principal to become one of her employees; it was my first teaching position and she made me feel so welcomed. She's been an awesome woman to watch and learn from in my profession, and I marvel in how God knows the plans He has for us.

I think what I love about Lynda the most is her ability to make others feel so special. It's not just me that she opens her home to, makes tea for, and is willing to give dinner to...She does it for the peeps, which is our little family of friends that has developed over the past few years. We all know that she will go above and beyond to help and be there for any of us despite all that she has on her plate. There have been times where she has been in so much pain with tons to do, but she would take time to talk and help--not once complaining or bringing up her own problems. One of my graduate school essays tried to capture this type of servant leadership--it's the essence of her and I admire it so much.

So on tonight--the last night at the "Big House" with my family away from family, I stop for a moment to value and cherish the memories created over the past few days with some of the sweetest gifts God saw fit to bring into my life. As I frequently do when with my family, I close my eyes, pause, and try to capture special moments. How sweet it is!