This Is Family

Another Family Reunion is coming. Unlike what some members of my family think, I happen to look forward to them. Yes, we only see these people once a year. Yes, We all promise to keep in touch, but of course it never happens. These are just things people say to each other having the best intentions. You know that going into it, so therefore I don't understand the reluctance in going.

I have memories of the reunion being held at my Grandparent's house. I was very young but I do have scattered pictures of them in my mind. Gathered around a campfire, My Cousin singing. The most reunions were held at my Uncle Larry's and Aunt Fran's. they held them for many years until they passed it on to my Cousin Karen. It was never the same after that. Karen's place makes everyone to scattered around. Karen says she is not able to hold it this year so Uncle Larry is taking it back.

When I was younger these held a special place in my heart. As I have gotten older though it has become less so. Everyone is grown now and has families. The second cousins are now where we were 30 years ago. We are in the middle now. In 15 or 20 years we will be the oldest generation. That is a weird and sobering thought. I hold dear the people who have left us: My Grandparents, Great Uncle Art, Uncle Dave, Aunt Gloria & My Brother Jimmy.

I go because of one reason: This is family. These are the people who we were given, like them or not. We all have our quirks that others look down upon. We all have relatives that we get along better with then others. We all have our own lives and concerns. But for one day a year we all get together and catch up. This or that one is still drinking. That one over there is still on drugs and on and on it goes. But we are family and you walk in knowing what to expect.

My big disappointment and sadness is that for the sixth year in a row I will be going alone. No partner, No kids. I will be asked politely how things are, if I am seeing anyone. I will answer them and they will smile and move on. I really hate that part of it. I am becoming one of those that people talk about. "Gary is alone again. It's been a long time since his Ex left" I hate that. Once again I go as just me. No stories to tell, no kids to show off. Just me. I am so sick and tired of just me. I want to slam it into the wall and destroy it. For once I want to hear "So, who is this, and how did you meet?"

I look forward to seeing my Cousins, I look forward to seeing my Aunts and Uncles. My Cousin Bill is very sick so it will be nice to see him, I can't wait to hear about peoples travels and one Cousins music.

For all the reluctance some have on going this weekend, I know that someday these reunions will stop. I for one want to hang on to them for however long we have left.