Milestones

Families grow by various means.  Marriages, childbirth, and adoption are the most common ways.  Our family celebrated the latter over the weekend as a gathering of family and friends officially welcomed Erica Justyce Groleau to the clan.  Erica has been with Alicia and Rick for more than 5 years now and we have seen her grow into a bright, inquisitive, beautiful 9 year old who handles her status with aplomb.  She has managed her integration into our extended family while retaining ties with some members of her birth family.  I hope she is able to continue this intricate dance and reap the benefits of knowing her origin as well as her future.  As always, a strong family feeling is key to success in interpersonal relationships and Erica is well placed to benefit.  The party was a great success due to Alicia and Rick's efforts and it was a pleasure to catch up with everyone who made the trip.