Relative Differences

I could not imagine not seeing my siblings on a regular basis. If I don't see at least 2 thirds of my siblings complet with spouses, children and pets a couple of times a week - they all but call out the national guard for a well-being check! Seriously, when I was growing up I, along with the other two eldest sisters would talk about how one day, we would live in a triple decker. This was before our two youngest sisters were born and clearly excludes our oldest sibling and brother. Sorry bro - we still love you!!! This almost came to fruition when two of us wound up in our grandparents' 3 family. We were delighted! Even though our oldest sister defected all the way to New Hampshire, the rest of us all still live within a 5 mile radius. After our grandparents passed away, they had to sell the house and my sister and I were separated by - gasp- almost a mile! Even though we can frequently be found going to Mass, followed by breakfast on Sundays, and running around on all kinds of errands and wild goose chases together, we knew that the distance was just too far and would not do. Just under a year and a half later, I found a great apartment just around the corner from my sister's new house! Within a month we'll be reunited - Amen!!!

Some people might think I'm nuts, but that's not that half of my crazy family codependency issues!! Not only do we spend every birthday, holiday, Mother's Day, Father's Day & Memorial Day (I'm not kidding) together, we all also e-mail and call each other on a several-times-a-daily basis!!


Now - when it comes to my husband's family - the situation is completely different. He is the youngest in a family of 8 and has a twin and he doesn't really keep in touch with any of them, not even his twin!!! I can't even fathom it!!! I don't care how dysfunctional a family can be, how do you go DECADES without seeing each other and years without speaking???????????

Sadly, we attended a wake for my sister in law's husband - a couple that, even though they only live a couple of cities over, we only see once a year at best. It took that wake to see two more of his siblings that we haven't seen in over a decade!!!! Folks, that's insanity. I come from a very touchy - feely, at times dope-slappy family, so I accosted these people with hugs and kisses and threats (not really) of dope slaps if they didn't do the same among themselves. After the wake, I scolded my husband, as I always do around the holidays, sibling birthdays, special occasions, weekends... well you get the point.

People, keep in touch with your families no matter what shape or size they take. Whether you're related by blood or by mutual admiration, respect and love. Time goes too fast!! Enjoy your family every day!!!