Family from Mass. came up this week to spend some time on their dad's old stomping grounds in Winooski. We don't get to see them very often and growing up, these are the ones that we saw the most {once or twice a year}. Our family, well....my immediate family....isn't large. The rest of my family is scattered around the U.S. It's always been that way for me. Celebrating of any Holiday was small, usually between my parents and my grandparents {on mom's side}. Sometimes my Aunt would be there. Still, though....even if we don't see one another only once every five years - when we get together, it's familiar. The connection that we have on the inside allows us to chat and 'feel' family.
It does for me, anyway. Conversation isn't forced with family - it's just flowing and little realities of past generations can be understood without needing to be explained. I love that! In this world, it's not easy to find people who you need not really explain your idiosyncrasies to. The best part of it is that we can laugh together about them!
It felt funny, odd-funny, to have everyone here like we used to - but without our parents taking over conversation, leading the day. We were the adults and our parents are no longer in the physical with us. I could feel their spirit, though.
There was one point when we were gathered around my table, just talking, everyone sharing something with another - and I walked around to the side and into the kitchen. Just for a split second, it was as if I could sense a smile from my mom. How do you explain that to anyone who has never lost someone so close to them? You can't. These are things that only those who've experienced this loss can understand.
Still, I felt the moment and it made me tear up but with an appreciation. I love how God is at the center of our family - and surrounding - and within many of us! And I love that our history shares a deep sense of life, love and spirit.
It's been too long for me, since I've had my family around. I almost forgot what those feelings can be like. It's not the same to have friends like family, although they can come really close; but those who share some of the same inside stuff {like the blood and the genetics} - it's just different.
July 6, 2012
Remindings of Family
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Precious.
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Hugs to you.
Miss C
Hi - I'm a new reader and have enjoyed what I've read so far - this blog particularly touched me b/c I, too, have a very small immediate family. I'm only 65 years young but my parents and both my sisters are gone and have been for 10+ years. So connecting with cousins is the only time I can 'feel' family from my childhood. (I haven't been an adult all my life, have I?) Thanks for sharing that God loves us thru it all.....bless you and I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I was a speech/language pathologist in the public schools b/f retiring after 42 years last year. I'd always said I could do any job in the school from janitor to principal and everything in between but ONE -- and that was a bus driver - bless you dear child!!! You have a large responsiblity there....
Lynn, I'm glad that you found me here :) I'm always amazed when people who spend hours each day, teaching and working with children, tell me that they couldn't be a school bus driver. I know that I'd be worn out spending hours with them in a classroom, the discipline that it takes....especially coming home to my own three boys later. Oh, I would be a mess. School bus driving is surely my 'thing'.
ReplyDeleteHope you visit often :)
When I was a child there seemed to be lots of family around. Now there's just a few left with whom I'm in touch. But friends mean so much. I'm not a great believer in the saying that blood is thicker than water.
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