This reminds me of days gone by! These homes were built in a very different time. Families were important to everyone, even those who were not of the faith. The foundation of most lives included and were built on family ties. My father was one of those who did not have a family to fall back on, and it was evident in every aspect of his life.

I think of Kathy Triccoli who has shared about the neighborhood who cared for everyone else's kids when she was a child. Ellie Lofaro who spoke about sitting on the stoop in Brooklyn as a child, watching all of the goings on. In my beginning years we ran and played from one yard to another, no fences. All of the neighborhood kids would come to my yard because my grandmother had purchased a little play house for us. I was the mother, of course!

I am mindful of my daughter Stephanie who lost all of her grandparents by the age of six. She is missing out on the rich impartation of those elders who have gone before her. Maybe this is why she has older parents! God knows how to impart what she will need.

 I was in shock when my Aunt died, because I realized that Rudy, my husband was now the oldest! Leaning on the Lord is always the way to go. He is a better father than any earthly father could ever, ever be. "Grace and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." {Galatians 1:3-5} He will impart what is necessary, and sometimes He will even use you and me!