Wednesday, November 30, 2005

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.

8 comments:

J. Andrew Lockhart said...

My grandmother, my only living grandparent, has been trying very much to "keep" my cousins together. I see, as you do, that that probably won't happen. We take too many things for granted don't we?

Erin said...

Again, I am so sorry you are suffering. Healing has probably begun, and we are here for you.

I am glad you are back.

Jennifer said...

I'm glad you're back. I've missed you.
It's so sad that it sometimes takes a death to bring a family together...but it's always a joy to be reunited, no matter what the cause.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. I have been checking every day to see if you were back :)

Carol said...

J. Andrew,
I have one cousin, from my Mother's side, that does a lot of visiting. Perhaps, it isn't plausible to expect everyone to keep in touch, but there is usually one in the family. I find that this one cousin is appreciated by many.

Thanks Erin, You are a dear!

Jennifer, It is so good to hear from you. You have been a good blogfriend to me.

Raehan said...

Hi! Good to get to know you better. I can't choose a favorite color either. I just love color.

WendyWings said...

I am sorry for your loss.

Carol said...

Thanks Wendy. Kind words are always appreciated.

Unknown said...

Carol - I bet your grandmother would be pleased with your actions. I'm sorry for your loss.