Children don't choose their parents. Parents don't choose their children. Aunts don't choose their nieces and neither do cousins choose cousins. We are given family by being born into them. If you believe that family ties are binding, you honor your family.
I have a LARGE Italian family. They are beautiful people. They are VERY caring and VERY sweet. There are some hotter heads than others and some grudges that haven't died down after many years. But, despite these downfalls, we love each other. Each has one or two they are closer to than another, but there are ties and these ties bind.
We don't get together often enough but when we do, we see our eyes in a cousin, our son's chin in an Uncle and our senses of humor in an 84 year-old Aunt. We visit, chat, hug and hold. Selfies are taken, stories are shared. There is sadness in one life, joy in another, and laughs shared all around. Promises to get together more often are made as bonds are renewed and members leave knowing they have a connection to a group of people somewhere in the world. A family connection.
Very little in this world is precious these days. This modern world moves too fast to appreciate the important and lasting. So much is corrupted and tainted. Family is one of the last institutions that remains at the heart of our lives. Remember to connect with those who share your heritage. You possess similar DNA and many of the same personality traits. These are your people. Blood is thicker than water.
Take Good Care Today.
I remember when we threw an 80th year party for my mother and invited everyone from the family to come to Vermont and help us celebrate. It is true that there is nothing like having a bunch of family together; the familiarity that comes instantly after not seeing one another for years and years. The unspoken understanding and the contagious tears and laughter are uncanny. Such a special time having the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandchildren all in one room. So very special. Thanks, for reminding me about this!
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