Last week, we had the extreme pleasure of hosting Willie, our former high school exchange student for a week in Texas. But that doesn't do the relationship justice; she is truly part of the Gunden family now, and we feel the same to hers.
In many ways, it is uncanny how much our families are alike. As the years pass, it is interesting to observe how we raise our families, and how similar we see to do so, even though we are in completely different cultures. The question often came up: "Now, is that cultural, or is that a family value?" For things like:
-what you feed your kids
-how much TV you watch
-how you spend family time
-when your kids go to bed
-how you spend money
-when you go to the doctor
Most of the time, it is the family value at the core of the issue, and, yet again, we tend toward the same way. I guess that would explain why my sister and Willie seemed to gel immediately when they first met in French class at Elkhart Central. Thank goodness they did. Our lives have been so enriched by Willie and her family.
She came to live with us on December 11, 1992. That is almost 20 years ago! And now, we talk about growing old together, and sending our kids to each other's houses for a month in the summer...we are anxious for our kids to develop a relationship together. It is interesting to think about though, since neither speaks the same language...yet. Of course the Dutch prevail in their knack for languages, and her kids will be fluent in English by high school, I am sure.
Our kids adored Willie. They got so excited when it was her turn to stay at our house. Not long after arriving, she was reading stories, doing crafts, playing games, and wiping our kids' butts. I think Luka even joked once or twice and called her "mom."
Willie, we love you so much, and you are always welcome, anytime, any season!
Here are a few old ones...since we did not even take ONE picture of me and Willie, or the three sisters together. But, don't the sisters even kind of look alike??
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