My father was a career military officer. When I was a kid we moved around a lot. I learned to make friends easily and leave them behind without pain. My extended family was distant both physically and emotionally; I have nine cousins and know only a few of them.

Last year on Facebook I connected with the four cousins on my father's side. This weekend Art and I flew to Las Vegas and spent time with two of them, Mike and Steve. I had never met Mike and I hadn't seen Steve in over 50 years. We talked as we walked and ate and did the tourist thing. We discovered what we had in common. Apparently I look just like Mike and Steve's sister, Georgia. Mike is the image of my father, who died over 30 years ago. Steve shares my inquiring temperament. They are family found.

Being connected to family and friends lights the corners where my Bag Lady hides.