For the past four years I haven't made it back, and each year away is harder than the last. I miss them all so much. I tried to call my sis today, where everyone is gathering, but it was hard to talk through the tears. So I kept the conversation short and just told my sis and her son to tell everyone hi for me when they get there.
A teen once said that my siblings are all "river rats with manners." I guess that describes them pretty well. They love being on the river fishing, primarily for catfish. And do they know how to cook it--melt in your mouth sweetness.
My daughter says my birth family is like the Mafia except legal. I know what she meant. Nobody messes with anyone else in the family. We're all pretty protective of each other. Those marrying in sometimes have a hard time finding their place, but once they do they have the privilege of protection and belonging, too. And if anything needs to be done, somebody in the family can do it -- from plumbing, to carpentry, to car repair, to computer tech support.
Today I just want to say thanks for each one -- Anth who listened and listened when I was in one of the darkest places in my life; Pear who always calls me "beautiful" and can't say a bad word about anyone; Paul the older brother who somehow keeps us all together and knows when it's time for the family meetings; and Annie who knows how to just be with a person and pray for them. Each is also much more than what those pithy statements portray, but they're a start.
And a start is all I can do on this short blog. I can't describe all each sibling means, nor is there room to go share about all the in-laws, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews or even my own daughters and their families.
Happy thanksgiving to you all.
