Blog family.

Family has been on my mind for most of the day today. The main reason is that today is my Mom’s 70th birthday, so I’ve been thinking about her, and also about all the things that go into being a family.

Because everyone is so far away, communication has to be by electronic means. Unfortunately none of my sisters or my parents are frequent users of email, so the telephone is the only choice left. My sisters in particular, however, all seem to have a real dislike of the ‘phone. Understandable, given that they have busy households, and a phone call requires immediate attention whether it’s a convenient time or not. So all 3 just don’t answering their phones, and allow an answering machine to record instead. The down side is, they hardly ever make time to call me back, so often I go weeks of leaving them messages before I ever get to have a visit.

I find this really frustrating, especially after my visit home, during which everyone made it clear they really missed having me around. I have to chalk it up to the fact that their lives are just too busy, even though they might wish to keep up. Fortunately, my nieces & nephews are all into IM with their friends, so I’ve started using that as a way to keep in touch with them, however briefly. And of course, the inevitable happens; chatting with my niece, who is relaying questions from her Mom over her shoulder to me while we chat.

Ruminating about family also brought to mind one of my favourite quotations by Richard Bach (of Jonathan Livingston Seagull fame) from his book Illusions:

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.

Given that frame of reference, it occurred to me that I have my own little family right here. If I could create my own family tree, here’s how I think it'd look. (disclaimer: ages are irrelevant)

Dad: Acidman. The kind of father who’s committed to raising you, not just watching you grow up. He’ll do everything he can for ya, plus kick your ass around the block when you need it.

Mom: Broad at Bat. The kind of Mom I’d like to have grown up with. A real sense of perspective, a wicked sense of humour, a willingness to question and be questioned, and the understanding that life can’t be cured, just managed. The person you could go to with any problem & know she’d take ya seriously.

Twin sister Stevie. The stubborn one, who finishes your sentences for you, and always knows what you’re thinking. She’s always getting into trouble, but can usually smartmouth her way out of it.

Older brother Brian. Smart, dedicated, can introduce you to all the neat toys. Doesn’t mind if ya hang around a bit but will use his sense of humour to keep ya on your toes if you do. He’ll be the one right there with a Kleenex for you to wipe your bloody nose and put you back in the game.

Younger sister Dragonfly Jenny. Independent, not afraid to go her own way, does her own thing, takes on all kinds of challenges & adventures & inspires you to try do the same. She's also the one who's always bringing home stray animals & making them part of the family.

Aunt Joanie. The one with the evil sense of humour who’s always getting you into trouble, but who’s always right there with a gentle word or a hug whenever you need it.

Uncle Greg: The guy you can never quite figure out. He’s been through a lot and lived to tell the tales. You just always know he’s there & interested, and interesting.

Cousin Essay. The one you’re always doing stupid shit with that nearly gets you killed, but that you laugh your ass off about for years after.

Cousin Heather. The one to go for long bike rides with, and just talk about everything under the sun.

Aunt Teresa. The one who’s always ready to step in at a moment’s notice when she’s needed. She’s the one who made up stories for you when you were little, and then watched wrestling with you as you got older. And she’s more bloodthirsty about it than you are!

Grandma Marn. The cool, hilarious cat fancier who always has something new & challenging on the go, and cares so deeply about others that it shows in everything she does.

Grandpa Mike. He’s done lots of interesting things in his life, and gives lots of encouragement and support to undertake some adventures for yourself. He’s the one sitting in the big easy chair with the glint in his eye, making you wonder what he’s up to.

Can you imagine that whole gang around the dinner table?

Comments

[Stevie]

Yo, Java! Is Paul alive? Did you forget to bring him back in with ya the last time y'all went out?
Could ya give him a message?
Just tell him I said "Hi'.

Then.....
lick his nose for me.

Thanks, Sweetie. I owe ya a Milkbone.

[Greg]

This is a family that would be quite interesting to be with during the holidays :)

[LightandDark]

Right behind ya cuz...

[Essay Canajun]

psst - your Dad said to be quiet - let's go let trouble find us!

[Acidman]

Y'all be quiet! I'm watching the football game!

[hln]

I think at this time of the year, I'd be saddle sore. I rode for just under an hour the other day (indoors on trainer), and yow if my rear didn't hurt the next day.

Thanks for including me!

hln

[Stevie]

lol at 'Mom'
(nyah, nyah...twin bros in trouble...hehehehe)

[a broad]

Did you wash your hands before you posted this? Don't look at me like that, young man. And don't think saying such sweet things will keep you out of trouble, either. Would it kill ya to visit once in a while? And get a haircut, you look like a hippy.

[Teresa]

Aw shucks! *blushing*

[Stevie]

John Belushi says to say...

FOOD FIGHT!!!!!

All in good humor, of course...;-)