Dinner With The Jones Family ...

Those people in our lives

who have validated our personhood

by seeing us and exclaiming

so are the foundations

of our self-worth.

Mark Nepo

Fern and Al Jones are celebrating their first pregnancy.  The child will be a boy named Drew.  Al's parents came into town to be a part of the joy anticipating this first born child. 

My daughter and I were invited to dinner as this artistic young couple is like family to us.  Al was eager for us to meet his parents and Fern was eager for us to be present for the evening celebration.  An excellent dinner was laboriously prepared and delicious while the conversations were heartfelt and thought provoking.

Family dynamics are intriguing.  As a therapist, my daughter listens to what is not being said, pays attention to body language, and monitors words that are deliberately or carelessly spoken.  On the other hand, I gather a sense of the spirit within each person.  I tend to see individuals on soul level.  Impressions of woundedness appear and I feel the personal dance between the darkness and the light.

Wishing that others could see life challenge through spiritual eyes; hoping acceptance and compassion can prevail; and witnessing the unmet needs of others makes me want to hold the broken hearts in my hands cradled with loving care.  I want to gently whisper into their souls how beautiful they are and remind them of the wonderful gifts they are bringing into our world, making it a better place. 

To be a positive presence in the lives of our loved ones is imperative.  We do not need the right words or the perfect solutions.  We can be a constant in their lives.  See both the flaw and the gift, extending acceptance and compassion which validates their worthiness.

As I left the sweet home of the Jones Family, my heart overflowed with joy.  I was grateful to be a part of this gathering and to be embraced as a favored elder.  I am forever indebted to both of these intricately sweet human beings for all of the kindness they extend to my daughter as well as to me.  I find truth in the saying, "Friends are the family we meet along the way."