By CHRIS PARKER

cparker@tnonline.comIt's a Sunday afternoon, and our old farmhouse is filled with the laughter and chatter of young people. The aroma of homemade lasagna wafts through the air as we set the table, arranging plates, cutlery and napkins for a dozen people around our big wooden table. We put trivets out, enough to protect the finish from the heat of four large pans of the bubbling hot mixture of noodles, creamy cheese, savory meat and tangy tomato sauce.This is no ordinary Sunday dinner.The normally jovial but calm atmosphere is charged with a tinge of apprehension, of a sense of impending loss. Change, like the aroma of the lasagna, hangs heavy in the air.The young folks have gathered for a farewell dinner for their friend, and our honorary grandson, Gabe Bumberger, who has enlisted in the U.S. Navy.Gabe, who graduated from Tamaqua Area High School last month, sits on the floor in the parlor, his back resting against the sofa. He's talking with my grandson, Sebastian, who sits on the floor across the room, his back against the cast-iron coal stove, now cold for the summer.A third friend, Calen, sits on the sofa between Lauren and Erika.The young men and women fill my heart with pride and hope for the future; I and my beloved consider them family. On June 17, our beloved cat Albert died of an aggressive, fast-moving bone cancer. I spent the day with him, and rushed him to the vet early that afternoon when it became clear he was beginning to struggle to breathe.Sebastian, Gabe and Calen each dropped what they were doing and met me there, offering comfort and support. When we came home, they dug Albert's grave and gently laid him to rest.The young group of friends have helped us move furniture, celebrate milestones and, most importantly, have faith in the future.In an age of increasing self-absorption, of a "me-first" mentality, they are a breath of fresh air.It's a tough world they are coming of age in. All are and will be paying historically high educational debts. Jobs are hard to find, and days of securing stable employment with benefits are dwindling.But I have not a doubt that they will be successful in life, because they all have similar personality and character traits that will enable them to be resilient and resourceful, and to persevere when confronted with obstacles.All are calm, upbeat people who see life's unfolding in a positive light. They approach their days with a sense of humor and are not afraid to ask for help when they need it. Likewise, they are always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.I watch as Sebastian's girlfriend, Lauren, scoops up his 2-year-old daughter, Ellie, my great-granddaughter, and points out the people in the family photos on the wall in the dining room. Ellie, delighted, touches each face with a tiny finger.She'll grow up secure and grounded, knowing her family, both immediate and extended, and that includes her "uncles" Gabe and Calen.We take our seats around the table for dessert, Ellie on Sebastian's lap so he can gently encourage the development of good table manners. Dessert two large homemade cheesecakes decorated with Navy flags and an edible Navy emblem is a sweet ending to a bittersweet day.Best of luck, Gabe. We'll miss you. But I know you'll do well. Be safe.