Maybe it's the season, maybe it's been my life this past month, maybe it's because it's Sunday. Who knows, but all I can seem to think about lately is how important the concept of "family" is to me and how loosely that term can be used sometimes.
We were pleased to have Felipe's Mom and sister here with us this weekend for an early Thanksgiving dinner since we will be in Vancouver with MY Mom for the real turkey deal in 9 days. I loved spending time with them...even the couple of hours where it was just me and Pilar and a slight language barrier between us. (My Spanish is only strong enough to catch every 3rd or 4th word she says to me, but at least I try, right?) I loved hearing the stories (some I've heard, many I haven't) their family shares and enjoying the great laughs that came along with each. But, like every other visit we have with them, it made me yearn to be with my family and to rekindle the fun, frustration, and genuine love we have for one another. It also makes me shudder to think of the many earlier visits we wasted with fighting, tension, or other general nonsense that I rationalize as being part of why we are so close today.
I have also been reminded and made more keenly aware this week about how precious time with our families is and how thankful (maybe it IS the season?!) and lucky I consider myself. It was tough to learn that a not-so-close acquaintance of mine from college lost her father unexpectedly this week and how my mind immediately thought of her mother and recalled how close I remember all of them being. How could this happen right before Thanksgiving? I also started thinking about a 75 year old friend of ours and all that she must be feeling right now as the holidays approach and remind her of the loss of her companion 6 years ago at this time of year on top of knowing that her elderly sister (and sole remaining immediate family member) is having a difficult time with her health in Canada. Lastly, to learn that one of the instructors where I work also unexpectedly lost her sister this week really brought the fragility of life and time with family front and center in my thoughts.
It's interesting to me that most of us begin life with our family under the same roof and, at least in my case, don't really understand the strong bonds that are being forged until we are on our own and leading our own lives. And yet, even as I lead my own life I am reminded on almost a daily basis about why I am the way I am and who played a part in getting me there. I find myself trying to see similar connections that those around me have with their families and discovering the similarities - and differences - each of us have with members of our family all the while knowing those bonds really do matter. In some strange way, I think Felipe and I have imparted how important family is with our "kids" and they, in their own canine way, have their own appreciation for what we have provided in our home.
I have worked in many situations where those with whom I work have tried to compare and call what we have at work a "family" and I have always bristled at that notion. Not sure why. If it means in close proximity, sure. If it means comes with crazy interpersonal dynamics, right on. But it doesn't work for me to equate a 40 hour work week with a genuine desire to want to be with and understand the people who play such a vital role in my evolution as an individual. My true family matters most to me and I would venture to guess the same is true for you.
My early wishes to you and yours for multiple opportunities to spend time with those that matter most during this holiday season: family.
