Work and Play

Dear Moms,

Sometimes in our family, we are able to mix work and play. When you may ask? That would be in the case of a family member's move, the birth of a baby, or even an injury or an illness. When my father-in-law was dying, this became a reality. It was Easter Week and all the children were home, along with my husband's brother from Germany. We held Easter dinner at our home. Tarolyn, my daughter, brought the bouncy house; I bought eggs to color. The volleyball net was set up in the backyard, and there was a horse shoe game available. On the play side everyone joined in the fun. Now, for the work part--everyone took turns caring for Grandpa; all the adults prepared the meal (remember we are a cooking family), and of course, everyone cleaned up together. Never before was I more delighted to have a large, close family bond. Tears can come to my eyes as I can still picture my son Joshua carrying his grandpa on his back to the bathroom, so grandpa didn't have to wear diapers. That, my friend, is agape love in action. Grandpa died the very next day with his daughters-in-law and sons by his side, praying for his soul, holding his hands, and ushering him in before the throne of God in Heaven.

When we moved to our new home, leaving behind the house that our children grew up in, it was all hands on deck. Married children even came from out-of-town to lend a hand. It was quite a work party. We laughed and made a memory that will last a lifetime. All I can say is, "It was a lot of work." That is one sentence my entire family will agree on. One son-in-law had a brilliant idea that had to come from the heart of God. What was it, you may ask? It was, "NEXT TIME, LET'S HIRE A MOVER!" That was the second thing we all agreed upon on that move. We served beer and had food throughout the day and threw a pizza party at the end of the day and celebrated. Yes, we ate, drank, and I can tell you, we very merry. Pulling together for a common goal and making the work fun makes it all worthwhile.

Lastly, when a baby is to be born or a wedding to be planned, it is a time of celebration for the Mongan family. There are showers to plan, advice to be shared, and of course, maternity clothes and baby clothes to be passed down. Getting ready for a birth or the Sacrament of matrimony is a labor of love that everyone enjoys being a part of. Charity, my daughter, has been known to arrange the flowers with her home business, FORGET ME Knots, or even host the occasion at her restaurant AROMA'S. My daughter, Amanda, has an invitation business. She is always more than willing to do wedding invitations or baby shower invites. Yes, many hands make light work and we have a lot of fun along the way.

So be creative; let the Lord lead your family to make every day a memory, whether work or play. Always remember, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Never forget, "If you don't work, you don't eat."

Ellen Mongan