Being back in Grand Rapids, MI, this week elicits several feelings of kinship–an appreciation of similar origins. Like visiting my sister-in-law, Kay, yesterday. We are the oldest and youngest of my sibling clan, and the other eight have passed away. So a special visit for sure.

Then stopping at my parents’ cemetery yesterday brought tears. And driving around my old neighborhood in a south suburb, remembering friends, neighbors, and classmates. I have no extra time to see them this time, but just a drive around tugged at my heart. I even landed on the street of the home of my first date! Don’t know how I got there, because I don’t remember at all how I found his street in the city when I was a sophomore in high school. I do remember his dashing black hair and shiny black Olds!

Even at the meetings today at this Calvin Festival of Faith & Writing I’m attending. Familiar names. An old friend. Meeting two older women who were sisters brought to mind my sister Esther who used to attend with me.

And meeting fellow persons of faith. Twelve-hundred are registered. From writers for the New York Times to the New Yorker to a speechwriter for the Obamas. Plus many more. Hearing how they navigate their faith in a diverse world.

I share a similar origin with both attendees and speakers.. I love the automatic feeling of kinship. I feel like the clock has turned back 70 years to when I moved here and later attended Calvin myself.

Then I walk the several thousand steps across campus, and my 82-year-old body realizes A LOT of time has passed! But the feelings of kinship and comfort are worth the effort!

Kay and me