I am at the moment in a town called Kusadasi and will tell more about it soon but first there are two birthdays to address. The first which I am two days late in mentioning is that of my brother-in-law Ken. He joined the family in December of 2002 when he married my youngest older sister Aran. One could hardly blame him for wanting to join up though I think the decision to do so is a weighted one. Making oneself a part of an already large and close knit family circle is no easy task. Ken has been well able for the job however and much of our family gatherings now would not be the same without him. I have always been impressed at his desire to make himself a part especially at the beginning when we weren't always the most welcoming. One of modern society's acpects that I loathe is when married people cut ties with their families and isolate themselves from that support structure. It is a gift when a member of your family marries and their spouse wishes to make himself/herself a part.

In my time with Ken I have always enjoyed his ability to include humor and seriousness in our conversations. A vast majority of people err on one side or another. We have had chats on the side of nonsensical BS and others that Aristotle might be proud of and I love that both are possible. Some of my fondest memories with him are when math tutorship was the intended action but instead we spent the hours chatting about various alternative subjects. I have never seen him in action at work but I know that he will always be a success especially in terms of leadership with other people. He is one that does not think of himself as better or higher than others because of the roles his work has given to him. At the same time he demands a high standard from himself first and no less from those he must lead.

I am inspired watching Ken with their two children. My niece and nephew display a grace and intelligence that is a testament to their parents love and care for them. It is blessing for me in my pre-childrearing years to have the opportunity to be a witness to members of my fam experiencing those early joys and difficulties. It allows me to be better prepared and I have also enjoyed being allowed to be a part of their early lives. Ken had made his life his family and that is something I love to see. He was and is the eighth member of the fam and the post is well filled.