Six Degrees of Friendship and Family

In my previous posts from probably a few years back, I wrote about how family to me is more than just the one you are born into, but about how the people around you can be family.  You can hear me call other people sister or gramma or niece who aren’t biologically apart of my family, but they are family because they love, care, encourage and support who I am.

With that, I want to introduce you to some people who are apart of my family.  I met this family because of the game of basketball.  They have embraced me as one of their own.  It all started when I was in college and one of my professors had us do an assignment where we had to go interview a person who did a career that we wanted to do in the future.  I chose to go interview the Head Women’s Basketball coach at Gonzaga University at the time Coach Kelly Graves.  Because of that interview and being season ticket holders, I became good friends with Kelly Graves.  He now coaches at the University of Oregon.  Coach Graves picks up a transfer from Kansas State University named Taelor Karr.  I got to know Taelor as the lady Zags always came out after each game to sign autographs.  After meeting Taelor, I got to get to know her gramma Jacque Karr via Facebook.  At Senior Day for Taelor, Gramma Jacque came and I got to meet her for the very first time in person.  I felt like I had known her for years.  Ever since that day, Gramma Jacque became my gramma and has given me unconditional love like I am her own.

The cool thing is that this past summer I was able to go visit Gramma Jacque at her house in Paola, KS.  It was so much fun to go stay on the family farm for a few days.  I got to learn all about the town and their history.  The great thing was having dinner at a Mexican restaurant with Gramma Jacque, Grandpa Glenn, Taelor’s parents, one of her brothers and her sister.  It was a marvelous time.  They embraced me with open arms.  The sad thing is Taelor wasn’t there.

Below are some pictures of the family.

Gramma Jacque, Taelor and I on Senior Day for Taelor

Family Dinner in Paola, KS

I am very grateful for this connection that came out from the game of basketball, Gonzaga University, and an interview assignment from a college professor.  Most importantly this was a connection came from a divine moment created by God in His perfect timing.  

May the Lord bless you all and your family!!!

T~Money