Sarah's father, David Harmon, just forwarded this photo taken of Gwen playing the violin her Grandfather Tippets (Sarah's mother, Laura) made. He once played in a symphony orchestra in San Diego. Gwen played that beautiful and tender "Ashokan Farewell" (from the Civil War series) on this violin at Mr. Tippets' funeral a few months ago.

As I look at this photo, I think of the importance of families--of staying connected--of honoring and preserving the accomplishments of each and every member of the family. There is a purpose and a reason for building everlasting family ties. No one appreciates or understands us as well as other members of the family do. That is because in the family we learn to accept one another's successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses, and learn to recognize and appreciate our own strengths and--yes, weaknesses--at the same time.

Hats off to Gwen. Hats off to Chase. Hats off to Chantry and Stephanie. Hats off the Chelsea. Hats off to Fiona. Hats off to Nora, Caitlin, Henry, Jason, Meridith, Annika, William, Emma, and Mia as you work hard in your studies and grow as you learn. Hats off to Nate and Kia who are completing a goal they worked hard to achieve and begin their lives as a new family and are at the same time a part of our family as a whole.

We love you all, Grandma and Grandpa