June 15, 2026 “The Gift of Family, Rest, and Recovery!”

Our family vacation was wonderful. We gathered in Ashtabula, Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie, about an hour northeast of Cleveland. The weather was pleasant on most days, allowing us to enjoy fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities.

Our grandson and his father spent much of their time fishing. We gathered around a campfire most evenings and enjoyed several games of cornhole. I am not a big outdoorsman, but I enjoyed relaxing by the campfire and walking down to the lakeshore beach.

The highlight of the trip was a 2½-hour drive to Niagara Falls, New York. The beauty and power of the falls filled me with awe and reminded me of the wonder of God’s creation. I watched boats carry tourists close to the falls. Everyone wore rain ponchos as the mist from the rushing water covered them.

This vacation also reminded me of the importance of Recovery. Leaving the comfort of home can be challenging, especially because of my physical condition, but the trip was well worth the effort. Spending time with family and strengthening those emotional connections is an important part of healing and Recovery. Returning home to my daily routine has made everything feel fresh again. The change of pace was good for my mind, body, and soul.

What were the lessons from this time away?

First, Recovery does not take a vacation. Even while traveling, I continued to practice my program. Most days, my wife and I invite family members to join us in prayer. Some chose to participate, while others did not, and that was perfectly fine.

Second, I had the opportunity to deepen my relationships with our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. Those moments together were a true gift.

Third, I noticed how difficult it can be for all of us to step away from our cell phones and social media. Technology keeps us connected, but it can also distract us from the people sitting right beside us.

Finally, my wife and I felt deeply blessed as we watched our family share laughter, joy, and good memories. Everyone generally got along well, pitched in with preparing meals and cleaning up afterward, and enjoyed one another’s company with very little conflict.

Since our family takes a vacation together each year, I am already looking forward to where our next adventure will take us. Until then, I will carry with me the memories, gratitude, and renewed spirit that this time together provided