Family.

So as I have ventured back into my homeland of the upper midwest, I have been thinking quite a bit about family. I have a fairly strong loyalty to my family and am always surprised to hear tales of families that have members that have cut all ties. To me it has been comforting to know that no matter what, my family is going to be there for me. I haven't tested the limits of that rule but deep down I think that is true of me and my family. It has only been my family, with the exception of my husband and a few of my closest friends, that I feel can really understand the all-encompassing-me because they lived through the moments or have been the people that have shaped who I am.

I truly enjoy my extended family and I had the pleasure of seeing two of my cousins and my aunt and uncle this past weekend. Extended family, like old friends, are easy to reconnect with even if it has been months, maybe years since you've seen one another. There are always stories that are told every visit about the weird cousin who has a speech impediment and strokes people earlobes. Tales about a grandparent, aunt or uncle, parent, or cousin that I hadn't heard before are gems that are sometimes unearthed in these visits. But mostly I just enjoy laughing about the moments we retell and relive, like red mickey mouse sweatshirts with matching sweatpants.

I'm not sure if it's the DNA or the history we share or perhaps both that makes this link seem especially special but I think it is one that for those of us who are lucky to have family and have good relationships with our family members take for granted at times. While I am home for now I try my best to live in the moment appreciate what has been given me :)