Blessed with "families!"

As this column rolls off the press my parents will be rolling down the highway on their vacation of a lifetime.
I stopped by on Monday at lunch to say goodbye as I had to work that evening and get up and go to the printing plant early on Tuesday.
We had about a 15 minute visit, hugged and said our well wishes and good-byes.
As I walked away I realized how blessed I am with families and I mean families.
My folks have always been good buddies with me, not just parents. We have done so many things together over the years that whenever something is happening it is strange not to have them present.
Last week another family of mine, my work family, stepped up and told me I needed to go to be with another family of mine on Saturday.
My fiancee, Kim, was holding the official opening of her shop. It was also Santa day in Rainy River; something I needed to cover. For my work family the decision was simple, they would cover it so I could be by Kim's side for the culmination of six months of efforts.
Thank you Anne and Dawn for helping me out and for being my work family for the past 23 years!
In Bemidji Kim and I were in awe as so many friends, clients and family members from far and near attended the open house.
I am truly blessed to have so many people around me that are "family" in one way or another. Thanks to you all for the roles you play in my life.
–Until then,
Ken