Family Ties

This week has been really crazy.  I had two funerals to attend.  Two of my Great Uncles died on Saturday within 12 hours of each other.  We've have multiple people die in our family around the same time, but never the same day!  So Monday through Thursday were spent at wakes and funerals interspersed with a million other things that had to get done including Calli's birthday.

A lot of us mentioned today that it's not right that we never get together anymore except for funerals.  When we were little, there were always family get togethers, picnics, parties and fun.  All the cousins (first, seconds, and thirds) all gathered around the elders and had a good ole time.  I think it was "The Elders" that always made sure this happened.  Keep the family close!  That was our motto. Most of us still lived in Rockaway at that time or within 10 minutes of it.  My Grandmother's family have lived here for 100 years.  That is why I have such a strong pull to this town.
Fourth of July at Aunt Helen's was always a big favorite of mine.  All the family would gather, eat, laugh and tell stories.  Us kids would run around her huge backyard, swing on the swings or roller skate in her basement.  After all the family fun, we'd walk over the Fireman's Field and watch the fireworks which have always been the best in the state!

We had one reunion quite a few years ago.  Grandma has since passed away, and now out of the seven of them, only two of the "Elders" are left.  One of them lives in Florida.  All of the cousins have scattered to the far corners and we never seem to see each other unless we're brought together by a tragedy.  I put it to some of the other cousins today to plan a get together for this summer.  Have us all meet on a happy note.

Although, I must say, even in tragedy, my family can make it a happy time.  Yes, tears were shed this week, but there was so much more laughter.  Between catching up, hearing old stories and "the things Old people say!", we really had a good time (I know that sounds strange.  Good times at the funerals.  But really, it was)

I really hope we can make it happen.  Once we move this summer, we aren't going to make it back here for things like this.  One last Hurrah!  Bring on the fun.

Keep your family close guys.  I wish my kids had the close knit family upbringing that we did.  They barely see their own first cousins, let alone the rest of the family. Our family may be crazy, but if they were able to be around that more, they'd know where THEY get it from!