Families and colleagues

I had breakfast this morning with a bunch of retired Permanente dentists. I spent 23 years treating dental patients at Kaiser Permanente in Portland, OR. It was good to reconnect with these fellows, some of whom I have known for more than 40 years. I don't know yet whom to thank for organizing these get-togethers, but I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with old friends and colleagues.

Jill and I decorated our home for Christmas yesterday. We went minimalist this year, since we will be doing the actual celebration of Christmas with our kids at the homes of the two married ones. We look forward to that with great anticipation. It is so much fun to see the kids mature into responsible adults who are productive members of the community. Among the kids and kids-in-law, we have three teachers, a human resources administrator, a financial analyst, and a stay-at-home mommy. We are so proud of each and every one of them.

We are about to go next door and babysit our "adopted" grandchildren while their mommy and daddy go out to celebrate mom's birthday. What could be more fun or more important than building good, godly families. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to be involved in the lives of future generations.