For years I thought I was the product of some odd genetic mutation. I am so different from my mother and father. How did I come from their gene pool? Both of my parents were very organized and detail oriented people. That is not me! My dad was a mathematical genius. That is not me either! The list could go on…What happened?

Several years ago I started doing extensive research on my paternal grandparents. The experience was spooky in a way. My interests mirrored my grandfather’s in so many ways. My specific inclinations in ministry are almost identical to those of my grandmother. Is it possible that genes skip a generation?

When my father passed away in 1978, I lost contact with that side of the family. Several years ago I decided to continue my family research by visiting my father’s oldest sister, my Aunt Frances. I also had the privilege of being with her three wonderful children as well. I scheduled an entire day to go visit places of importance to my family in Jacksonsville, FL with my aunt during that trip in 2003. I was quite concerned about making sure my potentially feeble aunt would be ok.  Little did I know that I was in for the surprise of my life.

Aunt Frances was well into her 80’s at that time, but she was anything but feeble. We had the time of our lives that day! She made me laugh so hard. It took me just a short time to realize where my genes came from! I figured out quickly that we were so much alike. Our humor was similar. She was obviously a natural caretaker of people. I will never forget the day I spent with her. We even stood together in the sanctuary of the church where my parents exchanged wedding vows in 1950. I came home from that trip very aware of my roots and proud of the fact that I was not a genetic mutation.

Aunt Frances passed away last night. She lived a long and rich life. She was a wonderful Christian lady. She was the last one living of my father’s siblings. She made an impact in my adult life that she probably never realized. It has been such a secure feeling to know that not only did I really have family out there, but our connection was so obvious. There is no doubt that we are related!

Now it is my turn. It is my turn to carry on the family tradition of being educators. Aunt Frances was an educator like her parents. We have teaching genes in our blood. It is my turn to be the caretaker of people. I have always been drawn to pastoral care. That should be no great surprise. That too is in the genes. It is my turn touch people’s lives in the same way that she did. I loved my Aunt Frances and I will miss her.

If you are estranged from your family today, I would encourage you to do whatever is necessary to repair damaged bridges. If you have not been in contact with your family, it would be good to call them today. Life is too short and uncertain to put such things off.