Family Fun

With the holiday season in full swing, and Thanksgiving having just past, one can't help but think about family. My Thanksgiving, as per usual was broken up a bit. Some time with some people here, some people there, etc. My two big events were my mom's dinner, and the annual International Thanksgiving.

My mom's was nice. Very casual, with my brother and sister (the ones I grew up with) being nice to each other, me, and my mom. It was an interesting occasion. One of my nephews was also there, and since I don't see him all that much, it was nice. The thing that got to me is that the conversation had no depth. I tried asking some questions, but the answers were simple, with no color. The only exception to this was a conversation my mom and I had as I left, which was really good. I wish I hadn't been on my way out, because it was exciting and I would have liked to delve further. As I was sitting there I thought a lot to myself about what it would take to make it so that we could have a good meaningful conversation, which in turn might lead us all to have a more meaningful relationship. At this point I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if being family is enough some times.

On the flip side, International Thanksgiving was great! This year it was a lot smaller, and while I would have liked a few more people, it certainly was nice to get to have great conversation with those there. Kellie, Jack, Jason, Jake, and L.J. also came, so it was part family, part friends. Though, I think the phrase that "friends are the family that you can choose" certainly applied to the dinner. A few old friends, some new good ones, and Cody all made the night complete.

Another thing that I have been thinking about with regards to family sprung from my trip to New Orleans. Meeting Cody's aunt and cousins made a real impact on me. I love kids, and I had a GREAT time with them. It got me to thinking though, that although I do get to see my nephews, I really don't have a relationship with my kid cousins (the ones almost young enough to be like nieces and nephews) and I would really like to. Seeing how attached they are to Cody- and he to them- despite the distance really was great. I am not sure what it is going to take to be an important part of the lives of the kids in my family, but I would certainly like to. Unlike all the adults with their agendas, prejudices, and dark histories, the kids are a clean slate, and they are ones who can see the value of family without letting all the other stuff get in the way. Perhaps the rest of this holiday season will provide me with more ways to make headway with my family near and far, blood and chosen.