MN Family

I was born in Olivia, Minnesota, but didn't live there much. Both my parents grew up on farms in rural communities in the southwest part of MN. It's pretty farm country spotted with lakes....and mosquitoes. Almost all of my extended family lives in this area or the twin cities. I love my Minnesota family and have fond memories of many summer visits as a child. I have 22 cousins so gatherings were always fun. Even my own family enjoys visits to MN although we don't go as often as we would like. It's a beautiful state and someday I would like to explore the Boundary Waters Wilderness by canoe.

Today I'm thinking about my MN family because the Frank side are all together at my aunt & uncle's lake home celebrating July 4th and having a baby shower. In the last 6 months, we've added 5 babies to the Frank family......two more will come this year.....and one more on my dad's side. My parents and my brother with his family are all there, too. I wish we could be there.

On Mother's Day this past May, a group of my MN family walked the Minneapolis Race for the Cure in my honor as the MN branch of Team SOS. It was incredibly heart warming to see the photos of them walking with my name on their backs. It still makes me cry to think about it. Their love & support is unwavering despite the 1700 miles that separates us. They fill me with hope for the future.

This is family. There is nothing like it.
Love you guys! Miss you.

SAVE the DATE: Phoenix Race for the Cure
Sunday, October 11, 2009