off on their own

how better to tell them

they are loved

than to meet them for lunch

near the airport before they depart

hugs and laughter over a hot meal

joyous with happy memories shared

to send them off again

to their own full world

knowing all the family is behind them

laughing family

laughter of cousins now distant

in location but close in caring

the warmth of siblings’ support

and knowing each other’s strength

and pain

a lunch together, rare

a sharing of love, thankfully, joyous

love in abundance

ah, the love in abundance

in this family

generation upon generation giving in support

through tough times

traveling inconvenient miles in difficult conditions

to be there when needed

to see the hurting re-created in warmth

and laughter