The Enchanted Fishbowl is a quiet, restful and peaceful retreat. Keith and I still work part-time and truly enjoy our life together. We call my children and grandchild ours and his children and grandchildren ours. Maybe I should introduce them.

Scott is Keith’s oldest son. He has five children, Quinn – 18, Devon – 13, Dillon – 10, Leo – 2 and Bella who is 4 months old. His fiancé is Lili Haile who is a native Ethiopian.

Robert is Keith’s middle son. He is single and has one son Robert who will be 15 in a few weeks.

Keith’s youngest son Bernard is married to Chelsie and they have two sons, David who will soon be 17 and Brandon who is probably 14 by now.

I lost my oldest daughter, Michele to cancer in 2001 when she was just 38.

Andrea is my second child and is married to Jesus` Sanz who was born in Spain but came to America as an exchange student when he was 17 and attained his American Citizenship many years ago. They have one daughter, Carla, who is 8 years old.

My youngest child Parrish is married to Jennifer. They are deep into animal rescue.
Because our children are fully engaged in their own jobs and children it is difficult for us to get together at the same time. Andrea decided it was time to meet Lili, Leo and Bella so ideas began to take shape and form. A date was chosen for Andrea, Jesus`, and Carla to visit the Enchanted Fishbowl and an invitation was issued to Scott, Lili, Leo and Bella.

Naturally, Parrish and Jennifer were invited as they had not met Lili, Leo or Bella either. In conversation with Robert he commented he had not seen Andrea and family or Parrish and Jennifer in a long time so he was invited as well. The guest list grew and it grew and it grew.

Scott, Lili, Devon, Dillon, Leo and Bella arrived from Woodbridge VA last Friday evening around 7:00pm. At about 10:30 that night, Jesus`, Andrea, Carla and their dog, Dante` arrived from Alpharetta GA. Early Saturday morning three Robert’s – Robert Senior, Robert Junior and his friend Robert from Fredericksburg VA showed up. A short time later, Parrish, Jennifer and their dog Gus arrived from Raleigh, NC. Can you imagine fourteen guests with two dogs?

Keith and I had spent Thursday cleaning house and lawn, and I spent all day Friday, preparing food for the weekend. We were exhausted yet exhilarated by the anticipation of everyone coming together. What a phenomenal weekend. I cannot express in words the joy that abounded throughout our home. The laughter and camaraderie was extraordinaire!

Conversations flowed, new friendships were founded and acceptance of family was sealed. We are so blessed in that God has given us hearts that are open to love one another. If we all lived by the verse of Scripture in Romans 12:18 NIV, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” our world would assuredly be a better place to live. We look forward to lazy days this summer when this event can be repeated.