FAMILY

My weekend like most, went by way too fast. I got very little accomplished this weekend. I spent time with my extended family. My family does something I dont think many families do anymore. Maybe I am wrong, anywho, it is very important to us, and amazingly we appreciate it so much because it is only something we started doing a couple of years ago.

We get together once a month, at different aunts, uncles, cousins etc... home. BBQ, Fishfrys, Potluck Galore. We all made a concious effort to do this, because we, most of us, realized that if we are not connected in a more meaningful way the whole meaning of family is lost. I know we are lucky to not live terribly far apart, so it is possible for us. It doesnt have to be a big production, just sharing and bonding, and yes bitching. Anyway everyone needs that.
I come from a big family of huggers, not so much myself, but I been getting better at giving hugs, I have always been pretty good at getting them. The event(s) that led up to our insight, was the fact that my grandmother has (5) children and many, many grand, and great grand children. My uncle who is very sweet and dear to me and my entire family for his open heart, thoughtfulness, and unbelievable sense of humor (unless you are on the receiving end of it lol!) suffers from severe bi-polar disorder, when he crashes he crashes hard, and almost does not come out of his hole. We realized when we are there to support him (even if he doesnt want it) he realizes how very much he is loved and needed in our lives. We got to together to give him a tighter bond and hold him closer, and make my grandmothers final days full of days and memories with he offspring.

I dont think any of us realized how much we would benefit from it. Some of our gatherings are full of music (lots of talented musicians in my family, and no I am not one of them ha!) but sometimes we break off into smaller pockets, and have meaningful tearful, conversations, you know the your not alone conversations, things-dark things, people feel that they dont share, and dont know if they are crazy, or normal, or what their family and friends would think, and the oh my gosh! that is me, that is what I do epiphany, that not only does someone understand, they have the same feelings, and they happen to have been in front of you the whole time, the support in that is unbelievably wonderful, to really know and love your family completely, the walls come down. They are the wonderful people who just this weekened when I walked through the door, feeling a little down, grab me and hug me, and tell me that I am the same beautiful little girl I have always been, and believe me when you are forty-ish lol! and down over issues that is just the thing you need to hear and feel.

My point besides paying a little tribute to my wonderful family, is that you probably have a possible connection and resource you are not even considering, give it a chance, and share your story with me if you feel compelled. Next time I will talk about kids of the uhmmm!!! grown variety. Have a great day, I will post food pics next time.