Holy Family Ties
Read Time: 2.5 -3 minutes
I recently learned that one of my younger cousins had lost his wife to cancer. She was Jewish and her parents were Holocaust survivors who emigrated to Canada after the war. I never met her, and I haven’t seen my cousin in over 40 years. But when I heard the news, I was grieved as I still consider them as part of my family even though I never met her or their children.
As I mourn with them and for them during this time of sorrow, I have come to realize that we can also share many blessings and joys with each other and not become discouraged or lose hope with what comes our way during our lives.
As I reflect on these things I have come to realize that I have also received countless blessings from God. These blessings far outweigh the struggles, the sufferings and the losses that happen to us in our lives.
My own family has grown substantially in the last few years. My oldest son is married to an American who came here 15 years ago, not knowing what the future holds. They have 4 sons, and I consider my daughter-in-law as one of my own daughters. I have met her parents, and I also consider them a part of our family.
My second son lives in Toronto and is married to a woman from Goa in India. I had never met her parents or the large extended family until the wedding, but I consider her as another one of my daughters. They have 2 daughters, and we are very close to the entire family.
Earlier this past year, my daughter married a man from Cameroon, and I also consider him as one of my sons. We have yet to meet any of their family members, but I consider all of them part of our own family.
Then my youngest son married a Korean woman, and she is also like another daughter to me. We only met her family at the wedding, but we soon got to know each other, and they are also a part of our family.
Incidentally they are moving in with us for a while as they search for a suitable place to live.
All these families that we have inherited, have one thing in common. They are all devout Christians. Which is quite astounding in today’s world. But we have been praying for our children for many years. Some friends have commented that our family is like the United Nations.
As we have gotten to know these new brothers and sisters, we know about some of their struggles, suffering and losses in their lives. But also many of their joys. We are all part of the human race, created in the image and likeness of God.
We have been blessed so much, and I praise and thank God every day for each one of these individuals. I could never repay God for these blessings. It’s a wonderful life.
A number of years ago, I began to pray the rosary for each one of these family members. There is a “Hail Mary” that has each one of their names on it. I lift each and every one of them up to the Lord.
However, 50 “Hail Marys” is not enough anymore. So, I am now into a second set of mysteries, and God willing, many more will be added in the future. We still have one unmarried son, and the two newlyweds don’t have any children yet.
I also pray a rosary for those who have gone before us, each by name. That list is also growing.
Whatever the future holds, my deepest longing and desire is that we will all one day be with the Lord in everlasting joy and peace. I pray with confidence and hope that He will answer all of my prayers and yours.