Family

Hello All,

Well, I have learned not to ask “what’s next?” in 2020! There are now counties in New Jersey that are not in quarantine because of Covid 19, but because of the spotted lanternfly! The spotted lanternfly is both an exotic insect hailing from China and South Korea and an invasive insect that is detrimental to fruit trees, vegetables and vines. The spotted lanternfly is evidently an “excellent hitchhiker”, so residents have been asked to check their cars before traveling to ensure they don’t have these insects along for the ride! The officials there are working on controlling the situation. Oh my!

To make matters worse, there is now a nationwide shortage of pepperoni!  I don’t know about you, but pizza is one of my favorite “comfort foods”, and pepperoni is my favorite topping. So, of course, we wouldn’t have a shortage of anchovies!

Pumpkin spice supporters can rejoice though – Dunkin is bringing back pumpkin spice coffee this week – Starbuck’s pumpkin spice Keurig cups are here- and International Delight’s pumpkin spice creamer is out! The ultimate fall comfort drink/smell/cookie is returning to bring some relief in these crazy times. I am thinking it may also be time for hot chocolate – LOL! The perfect drink on 85+ degree, humid days.

Bob and I have been fortunate that our “social bubbles” have been a titch broader than others. When you are blessed to have both of your mothers (two wonderful bossy women!) still living in their own homes, you need to be able to help keep them that way. So our bubble has been very mother and siblings/grandchildren oriented. This has certainly reminded me how important family is – and so did what I am about to share.

My favorite and most heart touching story comes out of Jenny and Ashish’s adopted state of Oklahoma. (Since they live hundreds of miles from me, I try to keep up with their news too. Especially about those pesky tornadoes.) A 9-year old boy named Jordan had a recent television story go viral when he told viewers “I hope one of ya’ll pick me.” Jordan has been in foster care for six years and when he was asked what three wishes he’d like to have granted, Jordan said “Family, family and family. I would just like to have a family to call my mom and dad or just mom or just dad. I don’t really care.” He also noted he wanted to have someone to talk to when he needed to talk things out.

(Sorry – had to take a short break and wipe off the keyboard. I can’t talk about this story without crying. Evidently that includes typing it too.)

Jordan’s younger brother had already been adopted and found his forever home. In the first twelve hours after Jordan’s story ran, Oklahoma’s Department of Health received over 5,000 inquiries from people all across the country. I am hopeful that a follow up story shares that Jordan has also found his forever home.

Never forget the importance of family – blood, chosen, adopted. The anchors in the storm, the shoulders to both cry and stand on, the listening ears when you want to talk things out (regardless of the time of day), the hands that hold firm in good times and bad. Enjoy the loud – the laugher – the tears – the sorrows – the joys – the love.

Phyl