Tree Branches Come In All Shapes and Sizes

Born 20 years apart, Judd and Theo are first cousins once removed.  When our son Judd relocated to Oregon at age 30, he met up with his first cousin Sage, 18 years his senior, and was introduced to her fun-loving nine-year-old son Theo. 

When Arnee and I visited Judd and his bride, we all gathered for a picnic at a Portland park with our niece and grandnephew.  Not only were Judd and Dena there, but our daughter Rina was in town for the weekend with her fiancé Eric.  

As Theo and Judd climbed the evergreen, all that I could think of was our family tree.  Where had the years gone?  How had distance played its part?

Sitting in a circle under the shade of the tall evergreen, with Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens visible in the distance, the eight of us played games and laughed a lot.  This to me is the true meaning of The Tree of Life.