I'm Home

When Grandparents leave this world, often there is a literal branching off of the family tree. Aunts, uncles and cousins separate into their own section and there is not as much contact anymore except at funerals and weddings. So it is not only your Grandmother/Grandfather that you are losing.

For an introvert like me, the day after the funeral, I would have been content to stay cocooned with my Sister and her family but my Father's siblings entered my thoughts. They were hurting the most.

And is so often the case, these visits became a blessing to me.

My Aunt and her Husband were so happy to see us. My Husband surprised me by accepting a shot glass of whiskey but I protested when he was offered a second. There was laughter. Eyes were tender and real.

Then we visited my Father's younger Brother. He and his Wife were alone when we first arrived but soon two of their daughters appeared, one with her two young sons. As my Uncle held his Grandson, his family separated into their own family tree right before my eyes.

I am going to hold them to their invites though and help keep the forest alive. My Grandmother would have liked that.