I have recently been preparing flash drives for family.  Once I complete the flash drive for my son, I will copy it for my other children and family members. Photos, documents, genealogies and videos are on the drive. One video was taken at the breakfast get-together for my out-of-town friends at the wedding of my daughter, four years ago. 

BTW, Thanks for the filming, Jeff.

I decided minutes ago to watch that breakfast video. In one scene, I apologized and then explained to my friends why I have kept in touch with their children over the years via birthday and anniversary emails. I apologized because I have always felt different, keeping in touch with their children, when they did not do the same with my children.  It’s okay, though, because I am different.

Here was my explanation from the video:

You know – how I like to be friends with your kids.   

I never asked how you feel about it.

I hope it’s not an invasion of privacy.   [The apology]

I send your kids things for their birthdays.

Well, maybe it’s because I know we’re not going to be here all the time.  
       
Our kids will connect with OUR kids   [all of our kids]

And they’ll be friends – because they’ll know our connections.

What nicer way is there to think about how it will be when I am gone?  My children will have a connection to the children of my friends. Perhaps the children of those children will continue the connection. Who knows?

I am motivated to make a new chart.  It will have the names, images and contact information of my friends and their children, as well as information about my children and me. That makes me happy.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com