This past several days have had a heavenly and dream-like quality too them - very real, but almost un-earthly in how happy I have been. I'm the youngest in my family, and since I can remember, I have relished the days and weeks surrounding Christmas for the anticipation that has built up, for the eager expectation that accrues all around. Not for presents, not just for a break from the daily grind... but to bask in the good company of a wholesome and fully functional family. To breathe in slowly and deeply, to soak up the true spirit of the Holidays.
The whole family was there. All my siblings and their families, my parents, my cousins, aunt, and uncle - it was a series of moments that left me breathless, but filled to the brim with supreme contentment. I believe I am being honest when I say it will be one of the most Christmas vacations ever. It was the first Christmas I was able to spend with my future wife, and one of the first Christmases in a VERY long time that the whole of the family has been there... not since before my mission had that happened.
Two of my older brothers brought their sons and daughters with them - and I couldn't help but grin to realize that 10 years ago I never would have pictured them as the fine men and good fathers that they have become. It has been incredible to watch the incremental evolution of our family ties, and how each family is becoming more and more nuclear - and yet we still are magnetically drawn towards each other by a familial love that seems to know no boundaries. We fought like cats and dogs when we were children, as I think almost all children do, but we have since formed solidly enduring friendships with each other. We've been there for each other in good times and bad, and supported each other when support was needed. We are not perfect, and probably no where near it, but we are a functional family. We truly, postitively, from-the-bottom-of-our-hearts, ain't-no-lie, if-we-don't-then-I'm-not-literate, out-and-out love each other! You give any Statistician a data-set of our family interactions from 10-15 years ago, and ask him to extrapolate from that data how relations would be in present-day... and who knows what he would come up with - and if you would go on to show him our family, and insist that they family 10 years ago, and the one in present day are one in the same, he would probably tell you that it wasn't the outcome he had imagined!
I think our parents must have felt the same way, on certain occasions - particularly during the years when our contention was particularly fractious. Here we are, however. We've become friends in the truest sense of the word. We are mutually supportive in some pretty creative ways - and despite the distance that separates us for most of the year, we have actually maintained our friendship, and somehow we've actually grown closer.
I can't possibly guess all the ways that family relations will evolve in the future, but I definitely relish, rather than abhor, the thought!
2 comments:
It was a wonderful, wonderful Christmas holiday for all of us. I'm so glad that all of you were willing to come so we could be all together. I'm so very thankful for this lovely home which just opens its doors and heart for family gathering and fun. I love having it full of family!
The evolution of family interactions from squabbling to solid support is one of the gifts for which I am most thankful. I did believe it was possible, but there were sure some weeks and months when I would have gladly hastened things along. You'll doubtless experience that when you are a father as well. Remember the harmony and trust in that when your kids are fractious!
Let's do it again! Doesn't have to be Christmas. Any time is good! Spring is pretty here!
I'm so glad that time spent with family here in Texas was a true joy for you. I almost didn't think we'd be able to get everyone together. It was memorable in the very best sense of the word. I'm so glad all of you made it a priority to be here!
Post a Comment