Family matters the most

Our future isn’t about Buck Rogers and spaceships that cruise to far-away galaxies at the speed of light.It’s about family.As I get older, I frequently think about what the future holds.What will it be like?Marble and bronze statues are erected to famous folks and heroes so they will be remembered by future generations.But I often wonder if those who stand on their shoulders will even care.Ten months ago, I was blessed with a great-grandson who will carry my family name into the future.Hopefully he will make a difference and bring credit to the name entrusted to his care in a positive way.We hope it’s a name he will feel proud and honored to carry.Much has been written about male heirs, but what about little girls? They have an important stake in future generations, too.Twenty-five days ago, on Oct. 1, my granddaughter gave us a baby girl, the fourth generation of living girls within our family.Shortly after her birth in Maryland, my wife, (the great-grandmother), my daughter (now a brand new grandmother) and my granddaughter, (a first-time mother), held little Katherine Madison Snipes for the first time.Standing there too, was her daddy. The former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant father, sported a grin that even the most seasoned drill instructor couldn’t pry off as he beamed and cooed over his first born.Why, just a few weeks ago, this proud-as-a-peacock father announced to the world that fancy, lacy dresses would be taboo.Guess who showed up Oct. 4 with Katherine’s first Christmas dress? It was about as fancy and frilly as anything I’ve ever seen (he’s wrapped around her finger already and she doesn’t even know it).If you think it’s bad now, just wait until she says “daddy” (or something close to it) for the first time. You know, babies have a way of making us old folks young again.It’s no wonder they get a little fussy as we subject them to a little more wear and tear than they’ve had the last nine months.Seeing a newborn makes us recall all the little ones we have observed.Standing there, impatiently waiting a turn to hold my great-granddaughter, I, too, beamed as some dear friends peeked in.Great-grandmother – like a brand new mother herself – is helping Katherine and her mother get settled in.That means feeding, burping, changing, rocking and all the other priceless stuff new mothers do when a new addition comes home to stay.As I sit and watch a new generation of Evanses unfold before my very eyes, I’m amazed and bewildered.I can’t help but be thankful and filled with wonder as I watch this little girl and enjoy the stir she’s creating.Her dad isn’t the only one who’s wrapped around her finger. For some reason, I just can’t stop smiling these days. Thank you, Lord.Thank you for blessing me and great-grandma with a long life to witness this miracle.See, it is about family.