I love the institute of family. I love the idea of a group of people banding together for each other and supporting each other through it all. Growing up I did not feel like I had that. My family was estranged for varied reasons and I there was always the void of family. I always wanted to be able to speak highly of an aunt or uncle, cousins and even family members that live in different states. It just didn’t happen that way.
I did not get to enjoy far away family until I met my husband’s family that lives in Virginia and Maryland. It was such a joy meeting all of his cousins and enjoying their southern hospitality. It helped fill the void a bit but I still longed and even wondered about my family.
That’s when I began to question my grandmother and as she talked so candidly, I discovered I had family that lived in South Philly and Jersey. My grandmother is one of about 12 and she is in contact with her siblings. (How and why I never me them and their children remains a mystery to me). To my surprise she set up a meet and greet right before Thanksgiving in her apartment. It was a blast to meet such fine people and they were my family!
We sat, talked and ate, exchanged numbers and, of course, found each other on Facebook. The good thing about social media is how it connects people! Here is evidence of the family fun:
The following week, us Philly folks took a trip to Jersey and celebrated my (2nd) cousins 50th birthday. The fellowship was fun and they can cook!!!
And lastly, a few weeks ago my father invited Kenny & I to his sister’s 60th birthday party. I met my Aunt Helen and Uncle Mack and discovered they are fun-loving people who have retired to Florida. We have an open invitation to visit and I can’t wait to use it! I love having family that lives in the warmer states. I sense a Christmas visit in the near future…
As you can see Aunt Helen looks like she is full of life and I can’t wait to get to spend more time with her.
I am grateful to God for allowing me to share these moments with my family.
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