I live in the same town that I grew up in, but most of my family, save my parents, live elsewhere. It's an unusual thing for a Southerner not to live within a few miles (or blocks) of 75 percent of his or her family. And I am sometimes envious of those that have aunts, uncles and other people akin to them nearby. I think it gives you a sense of belonging. A sense that you are not alone and that there are others out there that share your heritage, some of your memories and maybe even your features. I have always missed that.
My local grandparents passed some time ago. My father's family lives approximately two hours away and even though we saw them regularly, it's just not the same. My brothers have both moved to North Carolina. In all honesty, we weren't around my mother's family much, so it's as if they never existed.
This mere fact may explain why I am so excited about this weekend. My family is coming! My family is coming! My mother is hosting a bit of a reunion. Aunts, uncles, brothers, nephews, cousins, distant relatives will all be converging upon our fair city.
We have a small family as we don't seem to be a very prolific sort, but I live by the theory that it's not the quantity, but the quality when it comes to family.
My immediate family, stressful as they can be, are far outmatched by the joy my extended family brings me. And, in recent years I have started to forge and uncover some very strong bonds with my brothers.
I am almost tearful at the thought of seeing so many of them all at once. I can't wait to snuggle my nephew. I can't wait to lay eyes on my brothers. I am anxious to see my cousin and his fiance. I want to hear my aunt's chuckle. Maybe I even want to be ordered around by my uncle.
Cynical and I may be opening our home as a bit of a bed and breakfast to overflow guests and I am trying to get it all in shape. Sharing my home with my family has to be one of the best feelings. It's why I have a guest room at all.
I am giddy from head to toe. My family is coming! My family is coming!
Hydrangea from the farmer's market.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Drawing family near
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3 comments:
I understand that excitement. As child I lived with 100 miles of everyone, save 2 uncles and 1 aunt. Mind you that is both sets of grandparents, 10 aunts and uncles and slews of cousins. During my grade school years, everyone began to spread. I missed all but my maternal grandmother who lived with us. Now my 5 are in 4 time zones.
I wish you a wonderful, wonderful weekend filled with hugs, kisser, and lots of gab. We'll look forward to hearing!
Hurray!! I love family gatherings, too. Thanksgiving...my favorite.
I'm an only child and both of my parents are gone but my husband's family is huge-gantic and we all get a long. "Auntie" is one of my favorite titles.
Lots and lots of hugs await you this weekend. Savor them!
What fun! I love family reunions. We are needing to have one soon, but "someone" has to plan it. I volunteer...my sister.
We had our last one at the library in their meeting room because of the heat and the ages of our parents.
We were all going in carrying our casseroles, etc., and one of my cousin's friends stopped us to see what was going on. "We're having our family reunion," my cousin said.
Her friend was stunned. "At the library?!?" she gasped.
My cousin laughed and said, "Well, we're all really smart."
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