for them, it was a run of the mill family get together, not unlike the many other gatherings they have several times a year. i've been to a lot of these through the 8 years mister and i have been together.
something about this time struck me differently. i haven't said very much at all about my growing up experiences on this blog, and really most of you who read know already anyhow. but, having just visited my hometown two weeks ago (a generally awful trip, as per usual) the polar opposite-ness of it all was much more shocking than usual.
because, get this: this family LOVES to be together. this was hour upon hour of belly laughing, hugging, getting each other snacks and drinks. genuine interest in the goings on of each person's life. even me,. THEY CARE. this is quite foreign to me.
so very foreign, that it maybe took until now for me to BELIEVE them. these are incredible people. THIS is what family is supposed to be. it was beautiful.
and, as grandpa sat opening thoughtful and generous gifts from his family all seated around the table, many having flown in from hawaii just for this day, i looked around the room and saw people with their arms around each other, people thoroughly enjoying being together, and i imagined that grandpa must feel so fulfilled. what an incredible legacy he has built. what a fantastic family he has created and fostered. it is what it should be. what we should all aim for. and i felt deeply honored to be part of it.
a few pictures, which don't at all capture the warm tinglies i was feeling:
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2 comments:
i feel like my family is this way too - maybe not to the same extent. but some of my sisters actually DREAD family reunions and they are mostly spent criticising each other, pointing out faults and drinking to make it through. my mister's family? totally different . . . they laugh, show genuine interest in one another, honor each other's accomplishments, it's amazing.
how did i get so lucky and my mister get the bad end of the deal with MY family?
wow.
What an amazing story of what a family truly is. Though you may not have had an "amazing life" growing up - as you compare yours to being a polar opposite of his - know that you can create your "amazing life" now - with him and your little girl. You can be the beginning of something great. Imagine yourself at 85 in grandpa's place...with all of your kids, grandkids, and family surrounding you.
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