Silicone bracelets.

Our kids are currently spread out between four different states, and all six of them are now officially adults. We have a couple of new daughter-in-laws and our first grandbaby is growing quietly in the dark womb.

Getting everyone’s schedules to align for three days, finding a central place, and landing everyone there safely on planes, trains, and automobiles was a complete circus and a complete dream. 

It was our first attempt at such things as a fully-cooked family. And after much planning and praying, we did it.

All 10 of us. 

I couldn’t afford sweatshirts, so at our first Come To Jesus Schedule Meeting on night one, I handed them all silicone bracelets. “Team Landers” embossed on one side with everyone’s first initial on the other side. 

 The eye rolls and mockery commenced immediately.

“Is this in case we get lost?” Zeke asked. 

For the next three days, everyone got to practice their best adult pivoting skills when the pickleball courts weren't available, the BBQ grill wouldn’t light, or the dog pulled down the whole dinner tray. They each brought new skills learned in their independence and still glimpses of the roles they played in our once-young family. 

I marveled at each of them and the lives they are building. They no longer spin around our axis. They have their own homes, their own relationships, their own paychecks. My heart was so full.

And every time I had a minute by myself, I cried. Tears of joy, gratitude, and grief. Time rolls on. Never to go back. 

And although it wasn’t my intention with the bracelets, we did have some intentions with the weekend.

It was to remind them of a couple of things.

In case they get lost.

Because they are gonna get lost.

There will be seasons. There will be moments, days, months when their lives will careen and it will feel impossible to find solid ground. 

When those days come. Please remember.

You belong here.

You are Team Landers.

With these 10 (and counting) people, you have a team. 

Here with us, you will always find safety and identity, hot coffee, and unwavering love and affection. 

The storms will come. You will get lost. 

We certainly have been.

And we needed our parents to remind us sometimes how to get home.

Home to our identity as a beloved child. Home to rest. Home to be reminded of who we are. Whose we are.  

We go to catch our breath. And then return to fight another day for our own families. 

So yeah. I guess so.

It is in case you get lost.

We will be here, light on. Team Landers engraved in our hearts and minds. 

Forever for you. Forever crazy about you.

We are here when you need us. 

And when we are gone, we need you to fill the gaps for each other.

Family time #1. Check. 

Team Landers.