Family Weekend

On countless occasions, I (like many others) have proclaimed that the American society is going down the proverbial pooper because of the decreasing prevalence of the Nuclear Family. Over the last couple decades, it has become more than just accepted to have children outside of marriage, it has become celebrated. Entirely too many marriages end because of 'irreconcilable differences'. Seriously, give me a break. It breaks my heart (and quite honestly pisses me off) to see marriages end for any reason other than death.

This weekend was aspirin for my 'the-family-in-general-is-going-to-hell' headache. In the last 72 hours, Robyn and I attended the following pro-family happenings as they occurred:

• My lovely bride and I went to the craft store, bought supplies, and made some fun homemade T-shirts. You can call me a sappy loser, but I'll get the last laugh everytime I see my vegetarian wife wearing her new "Save A Cow, Eat a Vegan" threads (including a sweet smiling cartoon cow).
• Adrienne's graduation party, hosted by her parents, attended by family and friends.
• Katie's graduation party, hosted by her parents, which included a 15 minute slideshow that love and pride for family was oozing out of.
• An afternoon at Toby's godparents' house. Jeff & Jessica are anxiously awaiting baby #3, and yet they have plenty of extra energy to ensure that Caleb and Emma know they are loved beyond belief by Mommy and Daddy and Jesus. And they seem to like us and Toby as well. Great parents, great kids.
• A Duebber family party that included (but was not limited to) Grandma & Grandpa and their 58 years of marriage; Al & Deb and their 35+ years of marriage; and my parents and their 30+ years of marriage; 8 total grandchildren (and 3 grandchildren's spouses), 5 total great-grandchildren in attendance.
• A Goodridge family party that included an American family and a Polish family, meeting for the first time, that have in common engaged children. Ping-pong (I didn't lose in my three matches, by the way...), a meal, dessert, and the combination of two families made for yet another wonderful evening. 'Twas an absolute pleasure to meet Pawel, Maria, and Peter Kobak. I gained two awesome parents and two beautiful sisters when I married Robyn. In about a year, I'm gaining a brother named Lech, another family addition I'm ecstatic about.

Marriages were designed to last. Children deserve to grow up in a home where Mommy and Daddy love each other and are committed to their marriage. I saw lots of hope for the future this weekend. Statistically, I know it's a small sample, but it's pretty dang good to see love and commitment everywhere I've looked over the past few days.