Years ago, Tony and I had our own weekly television show that ran in Central Illinois for seven years. One of our directors was Mark Dreistadt, who also had a daily program. One day we were the guests on his show, and at the end while the credits ran and the microphones were silenced, we continued to talk with each other. During our conversation, Mark leaned forward and said, “I have some friends in Pennsylvania you must meet one day.” Within days we were introduced to some of our dearest friends whom I feel like I have known all my life—The Madeira Family. Oddly, they live in Dallas too. Well, Dallas, Pennsylvania!

Imagine a large, happy, loud, brilliant family who love God and others and live life to the fullest. There is a plaque that hangs in their kitchen that says: “Live well, love often and laugh much.” And they do! Now you know our friends.

True socialization is having friends of all ages. This describes my multi-layered friendship with the entire Madeira clan. From the parents, to the children, to the grandchildren, all are full of life and so interesting. They are truly rare for our day and age.  They can sing, act, think, speak articulately, be funny and ever so creative. They hold to traditional values and serve their communities and God with passion.

I love some stories about the four Madeira children growing up. There are three sons and one daughter. Their mother, and one of my dearest friends, use to post a newspaper article on the refrigerator about some local political news item for them to discuss that week. Thinking analytically and conversing about opinions and beliefs were part of an everyday occurrence. No wonder one son is a doctor, ran for the Senate and now is a talk show host. Another son was the District Attorney of his region and later was interviewed nationally for some of his political insights. The third son owns and runs a radio network. Their daughter home educates her children, has her own radio show, and is brilliant musically.

Pastor Dennis Madeira and his wife Lucille are stable patriarchs of faith and morality. This has never stopped them from living big, however. Dennis likes to go on motorcycle rides with his wife and sons. Mrs. M. loves to ski and jump off cliffs. No kidding! Every day is filled with new adventures. The two take their grandchildren, 15 in all with a new great grandchild on the way, on special trips, three and four at a time. Holidays are spent with meaningful traditions, yet always with room at their table for more. Game nights are big for the Madeira’s, and each Sunday they share dinner together—whoever can come.

Did I mention they are Italian? Oh the food choices and homemade sauces and family recipes! No Ragu from a jar will do when it comes to their feasts. They have experienced tragedy together and great victories.  What makes the difference? The Madeira’s work hard to be a family.  Positive talk and building up each other is part of their success. Having a deep faith in a living God is contagious, and the impact on other lives is apparent. Mine included.

 Madeira’s, you are an example to the rest of us. Thank you for modeling that lost art—being a family.

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!