Katelynne’s Side of the Story - Grandchildren Near and Far

Two Fathers, One Legacy of Faith

n this Father’s Day episode of Only for a Season, Mel reflects on the lives of two men who helped shape his family, his own father and his father-in-law, Luis Gabriel Sr. Through memories of illness, faith, family meals, prayer, obedience, laughter, and love, this episode honors the quiet strength and lasting legacy these fathers left behind. Mel shares how both men modeled a deep trust in God and how their example continues to bless the generations that came after them. For those celebrating Father’s Day with joy, grief, distance, or reflection, this episode is a reminder to cherish the memories, reach out while you can, and find comfort in the love of our Heavenly Father.

Katelynne’s Side of the Story - Grandchildren Near and Far

This episode is a special edited version of a heartfelt conversation I had with my oldest granddaughter, Katelynne, about what it means to love family across the miles. When I first recorded this conversation, I thought the story was mostly about how Ruth and I felt as grandparents when our grandchildren moved far away. But after listening again, I realized the deeper story was Katelynne’s. Her words helped me understand what distance felt like from the grandchild’s side. In this episode, we talk about missing everyday moments, staying connected through phone calls and visits, the importance of being intentional, and the kind of love that distance cannot take away. For grandparents with grandchildren who live far away, I believe this conversation will encourage you to keep reaching out, keep loving, and keep building memories in every season.

As for Me and My House

In this heartfelt episode of Only for a Season, Mel reflects on a small plaque that hung in his childhood kitchen on West 43rd Street in Cleveland, Ohio. It read, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That simple message became more than words on a wall. Through the quiet example of his parents praying, reading Scripture, and faithfully living out their faith, Mel saw what it meant to build a Christian home. This episode is an encouragement to young parents to let their children see their faith in everyday life, and a reminder to older parents with wayward children to keep praying, keep believing, and never lose hope. The seeds planted in faith are never wasted. #ofaseason

The Women Who Hold Our Family Together

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado shares a heartfelt reflection on the women who have shaped his life and family. He honors his wife Ruth of 46 years, along with their daughters Jennifer and Michele, and talks about the quiet strength, sacrifice, and love that mothers carry every day. From creating a home filled with warmth and tradition, to raising children and pouring into the next generation, this episode looks at the beauty of motherhood through the different seasons of family life. It’s also a message to men. A reminder to notice, appreciate, and honor the women in their lives while they still have the chance. A personal and faith-rooted episode about love, gratitude, and the legacy of a godly woman.

Grandchildren Near and Far - A Conversation with My Granddaughter

In this heartfelt episode of Only for a Season, Mel sits down with his firstborn granddaughter, Katelynne, for a deeply personal conversation about loving family across distance. From early childhood memories and summer visits to the emotional weight of missed everyday moments, this episode explores what it truly means to stay connected when grandchildren grow up far away. Together, they reflect on the joy, the challenges, and the intentional effort required to nurture strong relationships across the miles. Through laughter, tears, and honest reflection, this conversation offers encouragement to grandparents, parents, and families navigating similar seasons of life. A powerful reminder that while distance may change how we connect, it doesn’t change the depth of love.