The Importance of Extended Family

When I was a kid, I enjoyed family picnics. They were, I suppose, what most people would call a family reunion, but we never thought of them as a reunion, as we never lost touch with each other-we lived near each other. No, they were merely reaffirmation of our close love for one another. Or at least that is what I, as a child, perceived those picnics to be. I loved them dearly!

Then I grew up and became one of those curses to mankind-a teenager! I wanted to be independent and be out on my own, though I lived at home and had no intention of cutting the "strings." I had my group of friends, and we hung out together. My parents didn't mind, as I was a good judge of character, and chose only the best of friends. Proof of that is that we remain friends, today, and I am about to turn 62.

But when I was in my 40's, my wonderful parents both died. Although this should have been emotionally devastating, I didn't experience the usual pangs-suddenly-that most people probably feel. No. No, I began an odd kind of grieving that gets ever stronger, but starts out so subtle, it doesn't seem I grieved at all. Each and every day, I miss my parents so badly. I sometimes dream of seeing them, but they aren't interested in me. They are not non-cordial, but they basically express no interest in seeing me.

Anyway, Since I had moved a number of states away from my extended family, after a few decades, I decided to get in touch with my extended family. Imagine my horror when I learned they, all of them, had either died or relocated, and I couldn't find them. I was devastated and desperate! For some reason I can't logically explain, I felt abandoned-all alone in the world!

Fortunately, I am quite good at using the Internet to locate missing people, and eventually I did find a reference to my aunt's having moved in with her daughter. I was able to find an address, and eventually the name of my cousin, now married. A breakthrough! Over time, this led me to the discovery of others-even ones I never knew I had. Can I explain to you the joy this has brought me? No way. I have found family I never even knew I had.

Don't do as I did. If you have family you have loved, don't totally lose contact with them. Keep in touch. As you see more and more of your immediate family around you die off, and you feel more and more alone in the world, you will find those still alive an anchor for your heart-an anchor that tells you, keep on. Keep on! Blood and family? Well they are just thicker than water, that's all.