Ties that bind

I am 51 years old.  My niece Christine is 42.  We've known of each other all our lives,but until a week ago we did not really know each other at all.   This week Christine became my friend. Her family became my family, not just in name, but in the heart. 

Today I am so happy and so sad at the same time. They hopped a plane home today and I do not know when I will see them again.  That is sad.  I miss them already. I want to know them better.   But I am so grateful too... grateful, happy and proud. I'm grateful that they chose to visit and give me this opportunity to know them.   I am so happy that we have "discovered" each other and that this is just the beginning of our times together.  I am proud to be related to this family that is so beautiful, loving and strong. They are a family I am proud to be an auntie to.

How did all this finally come about?  It's funny, but, thank you Facebook. Without you, I doubt we would have made this connection.   A connection that will hopefully lead to future fun times together.