I Am Truly Blessed!

This weekend I was reminded that I am truly blessed. It’s a good thing too, because the sports teams that I follow did nothing to bolster my spirits. On Friday night my alma mater, the Tremper Trojans, lost to Franklin 42-12 in their homecoming game. Then Saturday the 11th ranked Wisconsin Badgers lost to Michigan State, 34-24. Sunday wasn’t much better. The Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up a less than mediocre season; finishing eight games under .500. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers had to struggle to eke out a victory over the winless Detroit Lions.

No, it wasn’t the play of my favorite teams that reminded me just how fortunate I am. It was my family. The Vagnoni family is outstanding and I treasure every one of them all. It is truly a blessing to a part of such a wonderful clan.

Earlier this week my brother Mike called saying he was going to stop by for a visit on Saturday with his newly adopted sons, John and Ryan. He said they would be over sometime after 12:30.

Friday evening my mother called a few Vagnonis to see if they would like to come by and meet Mike’s boys. Given the short notice, nobody was able to give a definite reply.

Well, at 1:00 o’clock on Saturday, when Mike, John and Ryan arrived, a household of Vagnonis greeted them. The congregation consisted of Mother Milly, Uncle John and Auntie Janet. Uncle Joe and Auntie Joanne brought granddaughter Mia. If that wasn’t enough, cousin Mark and his wife Pat who happened to be visiting from Michigan, also came by. Oh ya, I was there as well.

It was a delightful, albeit noisy, Vagnoni get-together on Saturday. Both John and Ryan have motors that run nonstop. They are amazing!

Then on Sunday I received yet another reminder of how fortunate I am to be a part of the Vagnoni family. We celebrated my brother Joey’s upcoming birthday with a lunch.

Not only did I have the satisfaction of dining with Joey and his lovely wife Nancy, but I also had the pleasure of meeting Nancy’s granddaughter, Lillianna. The 3-week old little bundle of joy barely made a peep, despite the small din the adults were creating.

Yes, I am blessed to be a Vagnoni. Below are a few photos from my blessed weekend. Had one more Vagnoni been in attendance, this marvelous weekend would have been truly incredible. Dad would have loved it. Until next time…from the booth.

Auntie Janet and Bother Mike smiling while Ryan plays

John playing with stuff Auntie Janet brought

Ryan hoping he gets another brownie

Cousin Mark listening intently

Brother Joey, Mom and Nancy

Brother Joey and yours truly