Family!

My family is a great source of joy, and I happily spent this past weekend with my extended family in Holly Springs, NC (outside of Raleigh).  We celebrated my cousin Dr. Cynthia Lewis’s and Greg Wallace’s marriage, new home, and surprise baby-on-the-way announcement. I am so proud of this young, dynamic power couple and l love bragging about them (Cynthia, a licensed clinical psychologist at the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, NC, who is also serving our country in the U.S. Army Reserve — following in her father’s footsteps, retired U.S. Army Colonel Milton K. Lewis — and Greg, whose love of children motivated him to earn a master’s degree in education and acquire valuable skills, which he is now using to inspire youth as a recreation facility and program supervisor for the City of Raleigh).

It was a wonderful family gathering. We ate, drank, talked and laughed nonstop. For several days, I was able to focus on our “love cocoon”, and not let my disgust for 45’s incompetent leadership puncture our protective shell. For this gift, I am sending much love and thanks to each of them.

Unfortunately, you can’t hide from the dysfunctional state of America. However, I will not despair because, in my opinion, it makes no sense to just be angry all the time. It’s more constructive to take positive action to reverse our country’s national crisis.

Happy 4^th of July!

Our extended family…We traveled from Ohio, Washington, DC, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, and Seattle, WA, and a rollicking good time was had by all!

Some of the guys…In the foreground from L to R: Cynthia’s brothers Jeremy and Jason Lewis; their dad, Milton; my Dad, Nelson; my cousin, Charles, and his son Alex.

The Lewis/Herndon/Riggs cousins share a laugh and a game of cards.

Cynthia, Nelson and Greg are all smiles as we celebrate their many blessings.

Greg’s Mom, Pat, shared her yummy 7-Up pound cake with those who were lucky enough to score a piece. I did!

Mother and daughter…Kim and Cynthia epitomize the joy of motherhood.

The Dad’s (L to R): My Dad, Nelson; Cynthia’s Dad, Milton; and Greg’s Dad, Greg Sr. share a great meal at Seoul Garden Restaurant.