We are a military family and have spent most of our time overseas. As our family grew, we celebrated birthdays, Christmases, pre-school graduations, etc., with our 4 children far from the rest of the family. We could use the phone, but it was through a satellite connection. For several tours, we waited at home in Japan for the operator to call us back to let us know our call to Connecticut was ready, and we ended each sentence with "over." I kid you not.
Our little company of 6 traveled many times around the world. Our family became the neighbors we shared celebrations with, cried about when they moved away, kept in touch with for a while through letters, and who live on in our precious photo albums.
Family means more than just the people who were born with a similar set of genes. Family are the people who are there when you need them. To share your laughs and successes, your pain and tears. This year of sadness and suffering (I just learned that my Mom is in the hospital on a ventilator!) can still bring us comfort and joy.
It can bring us closer to people and bring out the best in ourselves.
Or is it, bring out the best in people and bring us closer to ourselves??
I know it's after the fact, but, Scruffy 1, sing loud and proud, through Zoom (you lucky dog) with your family, separated by distance, but not by love.
Celebrate!!
"Next year in Santiago!" With my Camino family!!