A Rekindling in the Heart

Aunt Jeannie & the Litteken's

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

     Aunt Jeannie has been on our mind a lot the last several days.  We were so lucky to get to visit with her for the last couple of days.  She is a very special person in our lives.  Aunt Jeannie also has an extraordinary way of knowing just how to say or explain something. 

    Aunt Jeannie explains:  When you see each other every few years or in some cases every several years, you are very much vividly reminded of the  love you have for each other in your hearts.  Even though the love is always in your heart, you are deeply reminded of the love you have for each other and your families.  But when you see each other again, your heart rekindles and remembers the special times and creates even more.  Your heart reminds you of the love!

Aunt Jeannie & the boys inside Litteken cave.

     I remember meeting Aunt Jeannie for the first time at the rehearsal dinner the night before Eric and I got married.  I heard so much about her before we got married and here she was coming all the way from Belgium during the time when she could be there for our wedding.  Your daddy talked so much about what how awesome Aunt Jeannie was. (In fact, he thinks very highly of all of his aunts.  Honestly.)  Aunt Jeannie was such a delight to meet.  She had me at hello when she gave me an official Belgian greeting with a kiss on each cheek.  I knew then what a special lady she was. 

Aunt Jeannie trying a persimmon.

     She visited a time or two in between, then we arranged to visit with Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Leo when we visited Europe for three weeks several years back.  Aunt Jeannie lived close to Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray so we were able to spend some special time visiting with her at her home.  Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Leo were waiting for us at the airport in Brussels when we arrived.  That was unexpected, and  what a treat! 





    We spent three days at Aunt Jeannie's house, and Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Leo visited at Aunt Amy's several times throughout our European vacation. Uncle Leo told us so many memorable stories about Belgium.  They showed us so many things off the beaten path and helped us to really feel what life was like in Belgium.  Each stop along the trip was carefully planned and thought out.  We have so many memories with them. 

Daddy & Aunt Jeannie

     Then, Aunt Jeannie blessed us with another visit when Joshua was baptized.  Joshua was about seven weeks old.  Once again, we were so happy to have Aunt Jeannie be here for such a special time in our lives.  I remember Aunt Jeannie holding Joshua and he would just laugh and smile at her.  I think he knew then what a special lady she was.

   We talked about Aunt Jeannie for several days before visiting with her.  Luke told us that he had butterflies in his stomach when he thought of meeting her for the first time.  We explained that she was Grammy's sister and we thought he would love her a lot like Grandma. It only took Luke about ten  minutes to warm up to Aunt Jeannie.  By the end of the day, he was walking and holding Aunt Jeannie's hand. 

Grandma Bonny & Aunt Jeannie

     One day we took a field trip to Pere Marquette State Park.  We walked around the trails, saw the Piasa Bird, rode Brussels Ferry, ate at the Whitman Hotel, and enjoyed laughing and sharing stories.  It was a great day for all of us.  It was another great day of memories.  Thank you Aunt Jeannie for so richly blessing our lives and sharing this special time with us.  I think Luke summed it up best by saying, "Mom, I really like her!"  But we do not just like her, we love her!




     I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mama