The Joy of Connecting with Family

My grandmother, Anna Luise Triemer, or as we like to call her, 'Omi', turned 90 years old this year (2006). Her birthday and my mother's birthday are on the same day, June 29th. To celebrate this milestone, my mother, father, and sister traveled to Augsburg, Germany, to be with our relatives there. The plan was to have a family celebration on the Saturday following her birthday. As soon as I knew of my parents' and sister's plans, I started to want to go as well, but didn't see how, considering my job (then) and financial situation.

However, God provided me a new job (see this post on that subject) that made the trip possible! Praise God! It could only be a short drop-in visit, in light of my wife's stage of pregnancy (see this other post). I arrived on Friday, spent the day visiting with my grandmother at her assisted-living apartment, spent the night at her place, spent Saturday morning and midday visiting with her, and then went with her to the family celebration, at which I visited with other relatives until really late. I then flew back home Sunday.

The fun part was that we tried to keep it a surprise, which it was to her-- news leaked to others, but they still were surprised that I came. I am so grateful to my wife who supported me in going and because of her, I have no regrets. Praise the Lord!