#thegabrieleffect

It never gets less amazing to see how Gabe touches people.....all of his life he has had a profound effect on those that encounter him.....touching their hearts and disarming them with his spirit and charm.....I think what touches people is his purity of heart.....no agenda lies there........ just heart....he loves hard, and people get that about him.....yesterday we went to the home of Mitch Lyons and his family.....he was a former Pittsburgh Steeler.....and he is a relative of Renee's by marriage.....and they live in this beautiful and amazing home.....complete with a basketball court indoors and an amazing pool!!!.......and they are all so down to earth, and lovely, and welcoming.....his wife Angela is Renee's niece and she is just a doll.....she cooked all this food and was so welcoming in every single way......they also have a teenage daughter, and she and her boyfriend were also so good with Gabe......just welcoming him in.....and doing teenage hangout stuff all afternoon.....and Mitch was so lovely to Gabe too, totally getting him and going along with all Gabe wanted to do, and all the conversations he wanted to have.... endlessly LOL:) and I was so grateful.....but not surprised.......I have seen Gabe have this effect many times over the years.....swooping into a new situation and meeting new folks and captivating their hearts in a short time......and I often think how very grateful I am that that is our experience most of the time.....every once in awhile that is not the case.....and he is not welcomed in, but the majority of the time he is.......and it is his gift.....I think he helps people remember that life is not all that complicated......and that being loving is the most important thing.....and that happiness and joy are real and free.......he had the best day yesterday.....he got a NFL football and a jersey of Mitch's to take home which was so kind and generous.....they also showered Mads with candy and endless art supplies.....two of her favorite things LOL:) they were just so kind and welcoming to us all......I had gotten to meet them a couple of years ago....and enjoyed my visit immensely then too, and was excited to get to see them all again......and have them meet my children.....they also have a busy schedule, their daughter does travel team for basketball she is really good at playing and so the effort they put forth to make time for us this week also touched my heart! Renee's sister has had us stay with her and made us feel so welcome......she has a great condo and allowing us to stay here has helped with the cost of our trip which has been really great too! It has just been amazing.....today is our last full day and I plan on soaking it all up and enjoying what adventures the day holds with gratitude in my heart:)